By Dr. Peter Klapper, Ph.D.
Last updated on June 15, 2026
A wart is a viral skin growth caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a family of viruses that includes more than 200 identified types. Warts are called papillomaviruses because some forms can cause papilloma’s, which are benign (noncancerous) growths. Warts can develop on many areas of the body, including the skin, mouth, genital region, and rectal area. Certain HPV types are more commonly associated with skin warts, while others tend to affect the genital and rectal regions.
Warts may appear as single bumps or in clusters and often have a rough, cauliflower-like texture. While many HPV strains are harmless, some can infect the genital tract and may be transmitted through sexual contact.
Here are a few types of warts:
Common Warts
These warts typically grow on the backs of the hands and fingers. Common warts often occur where the skin has been broken, such as around bitten fingernails or small cuts. They are sometimes called "seed warts" because tiny, clotted blood vessels can appear as small black dots within the wart.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts develop on the soles (plantar surfaces) of the feet. Because of the pressure from standing and walking, they often grow inward beneath the skin and can cause significant discomfort, sometimes feeling like a pebble in your shoe. When plantar warts appear in groups, they are known as mosaic warts. Like common warts, they may contain tiny black dots caused by small blood vessels.
Flat Warts
Flat warts are smoother, flatter, and generally smaller than other types of warts. They often appear in larger numbers, sometimes dozens at a time. Flat warts can occur anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the face in children and on the legs of women, where shaving may contribute to skin irritation and spread.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by specific strains of HPV and remain one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. More than 40 HPV types can affect the genital tract. Genital warts are highly contagious and are most often spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Today, HPV vaccination and regular screenings play an important role in prevention and public health.
Treating Warts
Historically, warts have often been treated with acids, chemical preparations, freezing procedures, or cauterization performed by healthcare professionals. While these approaches may remove the visible wart, recurrence can occur because the virus may still be present in surrounding tissue.
HPV is spread primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact, although it may also be transmitted indirectly through shared personal items such as towels, razors, or other objects that encounter infected skin. Research now suggests that prolonged exposure to the virus, particularly among family members or in close-contact environments, may play a greater role in transmission than previously believed.
Fortunately, many warts resolve naturally over time as the body's immune system recognizes and responds to the virus. For those seeking a natural approach to managing visible warts, our Wart Control Extra Strength formula combines certified organic ingredients traditionally used to support healthy skin and help address unwanted warts. Consistent application and good hygiene practices can help support the skin's natural healing process.
As always, early attention to new warts and avoiding direct contact with affected areas may help reduce the likelihood of spreading them to other parts of the body or to others.
Originally published February 20, 2019
Dr. Peter Klapper, Ph.D., founded Forces of Nature® in 1999 to make natural healing simple, safe, and truly effective. With a Ph.D. in Biology from Kiev University and deep passion for holistic wellness, he led the company to become the first to offer USDA Certified Organic homeopathic medicines. Dr. Klapper believes healing should be healthy for both people and the planet. Every product is crafted with care in California, using only pure, certified organic ingredients. Today, his mission to heal the world naturally continues to inspire everything Forces of Nature does.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
