Common warts

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Common warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus causes a rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of your skin.

Common warts are different from moles, and they aren't cancerous. In fact, they're usually harmless and often disappear on their own. But you may find common warts bothersome or embarrassing, and you may want treatment to remove them.

Usually common warts grow on your hands or fingers. Treatment helps prevent common warts from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people. But common warts may recur after treatment, and they may be a persistent problem.

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Symptoms