Warts. While they’re noncancerous, harmless, and generally small, this type of skin infection can be embarrassing and even painful depending on the location. They’re also notoriously difficult to get rid of. A quick Internet search will yield dozens of wacky home remedies; some involving duct tape, apple cider vinegar, and even banana peels. But before you rush to the store for bananas, remember that a skilled dermatologist will be able to accurately diagnose, treat, and get rid of your wart faster and more effectively. Read on for a list of the most common types of warts and how to prevent them.

• Common Warts
  True to their namesake, this is the most common type of wart that usually grows on your fingers and toes, but can sometimes appear elsewhere. These types of warts can appear as rough and grainy, and usually have a rounded top. Common warts are usually grayer than the surrounding skin. Sometimes these warts have black dots or “seed warts” on the surface, which are the multiple thrombosed capillaries. Like most strains of HPV, common warts are transmitted through touch or shared objects such as towels.
  
  
• Plantar Warts
  Unlike other warts, plantar warts grow into your skin and not out of it. They are found on the soles of your feet and while their appearance is not as distracting as other types of warts, they can make walking painful. Plantar warts are sometimes difficult to identify given that they appear as a small hole in the bottom of your foot surrounded by tough skin. The “hole” is actually the small clotted blood vessel that appears as a tiny black dot. Plantar warts can appear in clusters and have been called mosaic warts. The HPV strain associated with plantar warts is spread through direct contact. And since it is understood that you are more likely to become infected in areas contaminated by others with plantar warts, people who often use public or communal showers can be at a greater risk.
  
  
• Flat Warts
  This type of wart is most prevalent amongst children and teens between the ages of 12 and 16. Flat or “plane” warts are smoother, smaller, and flatter as if they’ve been scraped, and appear as flesh-toned, brown, or pink. They are most often found on the face, thighs, or arms but can also appear on legs, especially amongst women. Flat warts can appear in clusters of three or four, and can spread rapidly but are usually not painful.  Like all strains of HPV, the main causes of flat warts are through contact with infected objects or person-to-person touch.
  
  
• Filiform Warts
  Filiform warts usually develop in sensitive areas such as the eyelids, lips, or sometimes on the neck or chin. They are sometimes called facial warts and appear longer and narrower than other types and extend out from the skin. While not usually painful, they can itch or cause soreness if they form in especially sensitive areas such as skin folds. Like other warts, filiform warts are transmitted through open cuts on the skin and skin-to-skin contact. If you have a weak immune system and are continually exposed to the virus, you will have a higher chance of infection.
  
  
• Periungual Warts
  Lastly, periungual warts form around or underneath fingernails and toenails. They appear as rough bumps with an uneven border. These types of warts can become painful as they grow, and can even disrupt regular nail growth. In even worse cases, periungual warts can split the skin around your nail and cuticle. People who habitually bite their nails or pick at their cuticles have an increased risk for periungual warts since HPV virus can easily enter through cuts or scrapes. You also have a higher chance of developing this type of wart if you frequently have your hands in water.

How to Prevent Warts

Warts are caused by human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is transmitted through contact with infected objects like towels, washcloths, gym showers and floors, or skin-to-skin contact. People with weakened immune systems or poor hygiene are also more susceptible to infection. Below are a few key tips on how to best prevent warts.

1. Keep your hands clean. Regular hand washing will prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria, including HPV.
   
   
2. Keep hands and feet dry. Warts thrive in warm, moist environments, so make sure to properly towel off after the shower.
   
   
3. Wear shower shoes in locker rooms or communal showers. The more your skin is exposed to shared spaces, the higher your risk is of coming in contact with HPV.
   
   
4. If you have a wart, make sure it stays covered with a bandage to limit the chance of infecting others and contaminating objects around you.
   

Are you ready to get rid of your unsightly and uncomfortable wart for good? Discuss treatment options with a dermatologist like Dr. Robert Miller of Long Beach, CA for the removal plan that will swiftly and effectively eliminate the infection. Dr. Robert M. Miller has been recognized as a Top Doctor by FindaTopDoc.com and has been awarded the Patient’s Choice Award, and is recognized as one of the top Long Beach Dermatology Practices by OpenCare.com. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Warts can be difficult to get rid of, and in some cases, can advance and spread to other parts of your body if not treated in properly. Consult an experienced dermatologist to learn more about how to quickly and most effectively eliminate warts.