Dr. Schachter discusses warts
What are the causes of warts?
Warts are a specific kind of infection that's produced by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) strain. There are in excess of 100 types of HPV. Warts can grow on any area of the body. They can develop on the skin, the inside of the mouth, on the genitals, and on the rectal area.
The commoner types of HPV will tend to create warts on the skin, notably the hands and fingers. Other HPV variants will cause warts on the genital and rectal area. It appears that some people are just naturally resistant to the HPV viruses; they don't appear to develop warts as easily as others do.
Do warts ever go away on their own?
Sometimes, warts do disappear on their own, although it can take many months or possibly years for the warts to disappear. However, some warts will not disappear on their own. Doctors are not certain about the reason some warts disappear while others do not.
Is it always necessary to treat warts?
Generally, yes. Common warts are frequently annoying. They can bleed or cause pain if they're bumped. They can also be stressful if, for example, they've grown on the face. Treating warts decreases the risk that the warts can be spread to other areas of your body or to other people.
Can warts be passed from one person to another person?
Yes, they can. It's possible for warts on the skin to be passed to another person if that person touches the wart. It's also possible to get warts (which means picking up the HPV virus) by using towels or any other object that was used by someone who had warts.
It's important never to have unprotected sex if you or your partner has warts on the genital area. Genital warts are highly contagious and can be passed from person to person during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. In women, warts can develop on the cervix (the opening of the womb inside the vagina) and a woman might be completely unaware that she has them. It's quite possible to pass on the infection to a sexual partner without her knowing it.
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