Warts appear as small lumps on the surface of the skin, which are growths on the skin. They are caused by viruses from the papillomavirus family (or Human Papillomavirus), which enter through micro-cracks in the skin and cause cells to multiply in a specific area, thereby forming a small, characteristic growth.
These viruses are benign and do not cause skin cancer (unlike high-risk papillomaviruses). Nevertheless, warts can be unsightly or cause pain. They are also contagious, spreading through direct contact with an infected person or via skin flakes, for example in gyms or swimming pools. They can also spread through self-contagion from one part of the body to another.
In France, around one in four people have or will have warts. Children aged 5 to 15 are the most commonly affected.
There are different types of warts, occurring in different locations and causing varying degrees of pain.
Common warts
Also known as vulgar warts, they can take on various appearances. Location: on the fingers and the backs of the hands; under the nails or around their edges.
Round common warts
They are round and rough, dome-shaped and sometimes criss-crossed with fissures. Whether single or multiple, the warts measure a few millimetres in diameter. Risk: severe pain, deformity or detachment of the nails.
Thread-like common warts
They are elongated and thread-like in shape. Location: on the face, particularly around the mouth and, in men, in areas where they shave.
Flat warts
They appear as small, raised areas of skin, ranging from 1 to 5 mm in size, with a flat top. They may be the same colour as the skin or slightly darker. When clustered together in patches, they form a geometric shape with multiple angles. Location: on the face, the backs of the hands and the limbs.
Plantar warts
These form on the soles of the feet, usually on weight-bearing areas (forefoot, heel, etc.). Whether superficial or deep, discover our natural solutions and advice on how to prevent them.
