Are all warts caused by HPV? As you might know, warts are skin growths that can appear on several body parts.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes all warts. Still, there are different classes of viruses and types of warts, which can generate confusion about whether or not HPV causes all of them or if there’s any distinction.
So, if you’re curious about this matter, keep reading to understand this subject once and for all!
What causes warts?
Warts are skin growths caused by HPV. They are contagious, and the transmission is direct or indirect between contaminated people. In addition, contact with surfaces and objects is also a way of contamination.
The most common types are common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts. Although they can develop on any body part, they usually appear on the feet and hands.
Warts present on the hands and soles tend to look flat and thick. Meanwhile, the ones that appear on the upper part of the hands and face are usually protruding.
Warts can develop in a darker color than the skin, such as gray-black or brown, and can be smooth and flat. However, they are generally rough and skin-colored.
It’s possible to diagnose them just by visual examination, but in particular cases, a biopsy might be required.
Warts usually disappear on their own. However, they can be very uncomfortable and spread throughout the body.
Therefore, many people seek treatment, which generally is simple and should last a maximum of a few weeks.
How does HPV cause warts?
The contamination process happens when the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infects the skin in its top layer. This “scratch” on the skin’s surface is the cause of the contamination.
In this process, contact with HPV is quite common. However, each organism reacts differently, which means some people get infected while others don’t.
According to research in the field, over 100 types of viruses can cause warts. Most people will have at least one type of wart throughout their lives, probably appearing on their hands.
What makes some people have more warts than others?
Warts are more common in children and teenagers because their immune systems are still developing and getting stronger.
Certain practices, such as nail biting, can also facilitate contamination. In adults, the cause may be related to a weakened immune system.
People in the same family can also develop warts with some frequency. Although there is still no conclusive research on the subject, several forms of treatment and prevention guides exist.
What’s the difference between HPV and Genital Warts?
Genital warts are called HPV or human papillomavirus. The virus is transmitted through sexual contact. As with many STDs, visible symptoms may not always appear.
They appear in or around the sexual organs and are pink, reddish, or skin-colored. Warts can be hard to see, but they can look like cauliflowers.
They can cause pain, itch, and even bleed, appearing in groups of three or four and spreading quickly. HPV can also appear in the mouth or throat if a person has performed oral sex on an infected person.
How to prevent warts?
Some simple measures can help prevent warts. The first is to avoid direct contact with warts. As mentioned earlier, they spread easily, and contact is the main form of infection.
The infection can happen to the person’s own body by touching an infected body part, thus spreading the virus.
If infected, here are some ways to avoid getting warts:
- Use disposable products like sandpaper when touching that spot.
- Be careful when hurting the skin;
- Avoid biting nails, and if you hurt yourself while shaving, for example, treat the wound right away.
- Wear flip-flops in public places like swimming pools, gym bathrooms, etc.;
- Dry your feet well.
- Avoid sharing personal items like shavers.
Finally: are all warts caused by HPV?
As you can see, all warts are caused by HPV. But now you know how you can identify and prevent them.
If you still have doubts on the matter, leave a comment below, and we will gladly help you!