Viral Infections
Warts are harmless skin growths caused by a virus called human Papilloma virus. They can grow on any part of the body, like on the face, along the forearms or on the finger. These have a rough surface on which tiny, dark dots can often be seen. On pressure areas like the palms or the soles, they appear flat. Warts on the sole (called plantar warts) grow inward from the pressure of standing and walking and are often painful.
Warts are common and can be a nuisance. They may bleed if injured. They are contagious, and may spread from one part of the body to another or to other children. We don’t know why some people get warts while others don’t. There is no way to prevent it.
They often disappear by themselves, especially in young children. This spontaneous disappearance is less common in older children and adults.
Warts on the genitals are usually sexually acquired. On the beard region, these have a tendency for spreading.