Warts

These are small, solid benign growths on the skin, caused by a virus, which are contagious and may spread rapidly from one person to another.

There are several types of warts; the plantar, which are found on the foot; the juvenile found in children and the venereal which appear on the genitals.

Warts often disappear spontaneously and in adults, flat parts may persist for years. Warts maybe one or more small raised bumps or sometimes they maybe fairly flat occurring on the skin.

Its color varies, like in adults, flat warts maybe dark brown.

A person affected by warts or who notices any change in color should seek medical advice.

Warts are caused by a virus that infects the skin (papilloma virus). The infection maybe acquired directly from contact with another person with warts.

Treatment depends upon the type and site of a wart. Some may not require treatment unless they are troublesome or unsightly. Others disappear spontaneously after a period of time. Treatment that may be given includes painting or coating the wart with chemical cauterant solutions and removal by cryosurgery (freezing), laser beam or electrocautery (burning away with an electrically heated wire or needle).