Warts
Medical Author:
Marshall E Eidenberg, DO
Coauthor:
Barry J Sheridan, DO
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James Ungar, MD
Warts OverviewWarts are small harmless tumors of the skin caused bya virus called the human papillomavirus. The appearance of warts can differ based on the type of wart and where it is located on the body. Most warts are well defined, with skin thickening.
Viewer Comments & ReviewsWarts (Common Warts) - Effective Treatments For YouThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Which wart treatments have been effective for you? |
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Warts
Molluscum Contagiosum Overview
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a skin rash caused by a virus that was first described in 1817. The virus is a member of the Poxvirus family. It is common worldwide and accounts for about 1% of all skin disorders in the United States. It primarily affects children (boys more often than girls) and young adults. The incidence of molluscum contagiosum is increasing.
Molluscum Contagiosum Causes
Molluscum contagiosum is transmitted by direct contact, either person to person or by shared items, such as clothing, towels, and washcloths. MC can be spread by contact sports. Furthermore, if a person touches the rash and then another part of his or her body, it can cause spread to that area (known as autoinoculation). If the face is involved, shaving may cause it to spread. Although the contagiousness is generally low, it is not known for how long an infected person can transmit the virus.
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Warts, Nongenital »
Warts are benign proliferations of skin and mucosa caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
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