Warts

A wart is a small growth with a rough texture that can appear anywhere on the body. It can look like a solid blister or a small cauliflower. Warts are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. The appearance of a wart depends on its location on the body and the thickness of the skin.

As many as 1 in 3 children and teenagers are estimated to have warts, but only 3 to 5 percent of adults. This is probably because the immune system becomes better able to prevent their development over time.

Treatment:

Palmer warts occur on the hand and are frequent in those who handle meat for a living.

Most warts clear up without treatment. It can take from a few weeks to several years, depending on the location and number of warts. They usually disappear faster in children.

One third of children are estimated to have warts, but studies have found that 50 percent of these disappear within a year, and 70 percent are gone after 2 years.

However, if they do not disappear, or if a wart causes concern, medical help is available.