First off, take heart: Though warts are unsightly, they are harmless. Warts are caused by a human virus known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), but it’s a different sub-type of HPV than the one that causes cervical cancer. Warts are contagious and are transferred from skin-to-skin contact, so children can pick up the virus on their hands by touching another child who has warts, or by sharing a contaminated toy. Common skin warts also typically appear on feet from walking in warm, moist areas where viruses thrive, like indoor pools. Skin warts manifest as a flat bump, while plantar warts—which arrive via the same virus, but can be a different strain—tend to be more painful and appear as thicker growths on the sole of the foot.
The body will naturally get rid of the wart over time, but the duration varies depending on the individual. In order to avoid the virus spreading, here are some ways to remove it.
The main message is that warts are not serious and often resolve themselves without medical intervention. However they can be unsightly or cause irritation and can be treated easily and painlessly.