What are Warts

Warts may occur on their own or in clusters. There are many different types including:

They're caused by a viral infection in the skin cells. The virus is called the human papilloma virus (HPV) - there are more than 100 types of HPV.

Warts are common and all children are vulnerable, but children with immune system problems may have an increased risk. The virus is present throughout the environment and is infectious, but the risk of catching them from public places is now debatable.

Each wart forms a small lump, but sometimes multiple warts fuse together to form a mosaic. Common warts are rarely painful, but plane warts may be itchy.

Verrucas form round areas in the skin, often with a central dark spot. They may be painful when pressure is applied.

Most warts disappear without treatment after a few months or years - 20 per cent of growths disappear within three months. Their duration is influenced by changes in the body's resistance to the HPV virus.

Warts and verrucas only need treatment if they're painful or are a cosmetic problem. A number of treatments can be applied at home, including a combination of salicylic acid paint and rubbing with a pumice stone or foot scraper. Stronger treatments can be obtained from a chiropodist or doctor.

Talk to your doctor if a wart doesn't respond to simple treatment or disappear after a while.

Other treatments your GP may recommend include laser or cryotherapy (freezing), or surgical curettage to scrape warts out. These treatments are quite effective, but may need to be repeated. Very resistant warts can be injected with toxic chemicals.