Warts are benign growths on the skin or mucous membranes that cause cosmetic problems as well as pain and discomfort. They are seen on people of all ages but most commonly appear in children and teenagers. The incubation period of a wart is 2 to 9 months following infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), during which time an excessive proliferation of skin growth slowly develops.
More than 80 different types of HPV have been identified, and they have an affinity for different types of body tissue. Most types of HPV have an affinity for the skin and produce common warts and plantar or foot warts. Several other types of HPV have an affinity for mucous membranes and some of these cause ano-genital warts.
MOST COMMON TREATMENTS
There are a number of treatments and procedures for wart removal prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the type and location of the viral infection including topical treatments, cryotherapy (freezing the wart), surgical removal, laser therapy, cantharone drops, and bleomycin injections
