Types of Warts
Warts, in general, do not cause any discomfort and are painless. Based on the location and appearance, there are 7 types of warts. They include plantar, filiform, periungual, common, mosaic, flat and genital warts.
In general, warts do not cause any discomfort and disappear after a few months. However, one must approach the doctor if warts are painful or if bleeding occurs. It is advisable to get a medical opinion if there is an abnormal patch on the skin, or if warts spread to other parts of the body, or they reappear.
There are different types of warts based on the site of occurrence.
Plantar warts: These warts can be detected on heels, toes, and soles of feet. They are thick warts, with a dark spot and a surrounding white area. The dark spot indicates the blood supply to the wart. They are extremely painful when pressure is applied on them while walking. Plantar warts are also known as verrucas.
Filiform warts (Verruca filiformis): These warts are long growths detected in the nose, beard area, armpits, mouth, eyelids and the neck. Filiform warts have thin, thread-like projections, and are of the same color as the skin.
Periungual warts: These warts grow under and around the fingernails and toenails and may affect the growth of the nail.
Common warts (Verruca vulgaris): Commonly observed on hands, knuckles, fingers, elbows, and knees, these warts are small, rough, and grainy. The growths are also termed plaques or papules. They have a spotted appearance, where the dark spots or seeds are clotted blood vessels. Common warts may appear as a single bump or as multiple bumps. They are of the same color as skin.
Mosaic warts: Mosaic warts are clusters of warts appear on the palms of hands or on feet. Those which appear on the palms of the hands are referred to as palmar warts.
Flat warts (Verruca plana): Commonly found in children, these warts are either yellowish, brownish, or skin-colored. They are round, flat, and appear on the face, legs and arms. Adults are less likely to be affected by flat warts.
Genital warts: These warts are found in the genital areas, anus, or groin of an individual. They vary in morphology and size. Some warts may be rough cauliflower-like bumps, others may be white patches, while in some cases, genital warts are undetected. Genital warts are a result of HPV infection and are obtained through sexual contact. A recent study has implicated 23 new strains of HPV in causing genital warts. A vaccine, Gardasil, has been approved to fight HPV infection related to genital warts and cervical cancers.
