Verrucae
What are warts?
A wart is a fleshy growth on the skin caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). A verruca is another name for a type of wart (plantar warts) that is usually found on the soles of the feet. About one in ten people have warts at any one time and nearly everyone has at least one wart at some point in their lives. The virus is more prevalent among children and adolescents.
There are over 150 different subtypes of the human papilloma virus (HPV) responsible for warts. Certain types of the virus are more likely to cause warts on different parts of the body. Warts occur more commonly on areas of skin that are likely to be damaged, such as fingers, elbows, knees and the face. Although warts can be unsightly and embarrassing for people who have them, the common type of wart generally causes no harm and most will eventually disappear by themselves within six months to two years.