Font Size
A
A
A

Warts (cont.)

Warts - Causes

Warts are caused by the DNA-containing human papillomavirus (HPV). There are at least 63 genetically different types of HPVs.

  • The virus enters the skin after direct contact with recently shed viruses kept alive in warm, moist environments such as a locker room, or by direct contact with an infected person. The entry site is often an area of recent injury. The incubation time-from when the virus is contracted until a wart appears-can be 1-8 months.
  • Contrary to popular mythology, touching a frog will not give you warts.



Next: Warts - Symptoms »

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Warts (Common Warts) - Effective Treatments For You

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Which wart treatments have been effective for you?

Anonymously share your comment to help others. Viewer Comments FAQs
See 2 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Warts, Nongenital »

Warts are benign proliferations of skin and mucosa caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary