Many of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are typically identified by a handful of common symptoms. Herpes, for example, frequently causes genital warts and bumps around the mouth ... Warts are small, firm bumps on the skin caused by viruses from the human papillomavirus (HPV) family.

Understanding the Context

Warts are common among school-aged children but can affect people of any age. A new research ... Anywhere you have skin, from face to feet, you can get warts. WebMD explains what kinds there are, what causes them, who gets them, and what you can do about them.

Key Insights

What are warts? Warts are benign (noncancerous) growths that can develop on your skin and mucosa (like inside your mouth). The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts. There are over 100 subtypes (strains) of HPV, but only a few types can cause warts on certain parts of your body. Common warts are small, grainy skin growths that occur most often on the fingers or hands.

Final Thoughts

They're rough to the touch and often have tiny black dots. These dots are clotted blood vessels. Common warts are caused by a virus and are transmitted by touch. It can take 2 to 6 months for a wart to develop. The surgeon Benjamin Bell documented that warts were caused by a disease entirely unrelated to syphilis, and established a causal link between warts and cancer. Warts are raised bumps on your skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Learn about types of warts, options for treatment, and ways to prevent them. Learn about the causes of viral skin warts and explore professional removal treatments. Read our dermatological guide for clear, healthy skin.