Warts

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths that appear when the human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin. This virus is contagious, so warts can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart.

Cuts and damage to the skin makes you more likely to get warts. Other people more likely to get warts are children and teens, people who bite their nails or pick at hangnails and people with a weakened immune system.

The virus does not get in the blood stream.  It is treated by getting rid of the warts.  Warts are very frustrating because it may take up to 25 treatments to destroy the virus and they frequently recur. There are numerous treatment options for warts.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org/skin-conditions