Is The Common Wart Contagious?

The common wart is a localized growth that is a result of a viral infection called the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The Human Papillomavirus causes rapid growth of cells in a particular spot resulting to warts. The scientific name of the common wart is Verruca Vulgaris. It is different from other kinds of warts both in appearance and in growth patterns and areas. There are many over the counter remedies for these kinds of warts. The common wart grows on the skin and the generally grow almost anywhere on a person's body.

Common warts are contagious and can spread from one area of your body to another although their growth is generally localized in the hands and knees. Direct contact with the Human Papillomavirus can give you warts and also touching items that have recently touched a person with HPV can cause infection. Actually, in spite of the common ways that HPV can be passed, it is not that easy to get a wart from another person as long as you practice good hygiene. The state of your immune system is also one factor that reduces your susceptibility to the Human Papillomavirus. Some immune systems can effectively control and eliminate the virus without it having a chance to cause warts.

What The Common Wart Looks Like

The appearance of the common wart can be described as a raised circular skin that is commonly found in the hands, knees and feet. It may take on a tan, pinkish or white coloring. It may be mistaken for a blister initially especially when it takes on the appearance of peeling but the circular shape will give it away as a wart.

Treating The Common Wart

The common wart actually does nothing to you and may eventually go away after several months. The reason why there are wart treatments is mainly for aesthetic purposes and the fact that these can be bothersome to have. There are two common over the counter ways of getting rid of warts and these are a salicylic solution and a silver nitrate solution. Both treatments need frequent applications for effective removal of the common wart.

Other forms of treating the common wart can be done at your local dermatologist. These treatments include freezing, laser surgery and many others. One thing that you must remember is that common warts may recur even after treatment so you may have to boost up your immune system to completely get rid of them.