Here’s everything you need to know about the 6 types of warts, how to treat them at home, and when to call the doctor.
🔬 The Science: What Exactly Is a Wart?
Before we look at the types, it helps to know what causes them.
Warts are not a sign of aging, and they aren’t caused by touching frogs! They are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) . There are over 100 different strains of HPV, and different strains cause different types of warts.
When this virus enters the top layer of your skin (usually through a tiny scratch or cut), it causes the skin cells to multiply rapidly. This overproduction of keratin (the hard protein that makes up your skin, hair, and nails) creates the rough, hard bump we call a wart.
Because they are viral, they can be contagious, which is why you should never pick at them! They can spread to other parts of your body or to other people.
