6th July 2023

Viral Warts

This is caused by infection of the epidermal cells with human papillomavirus (HPV). It is transmitted through direct and indirect contact. The most common HPV types infecting the skin are 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 27, 29 and 57. Anogenital warts are commonly caused by types 6 and 11.

Viral warts are highly contagious and most frequently present in children, immunosuppressed patients (e.g. long-term immunosuppressants, HIV) and in conditions where the skin barrier is defective. Cutaneous warts are papules or nodules with a papillomatous and hyperkeratotic surface. Plantar warts (verruca) are usually painful with dark punctate centres with hyperkeratotic surrounding skin. It is a clinical diagnosis and warts can resolve spontaneously. Other treatment options include podophyllin, imiquimod, cryotherapy or curettage and cautery.

Viral warts

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons (2008). Dornwarzen, Licensed under a creative commons licence. Available for free at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dornwarzen.jpg (Accessed on: 15 March 2023).