What Is the Main Cause of Warts? | Midwest Dermatology Centre (2024)

The primary cause of warts is the HPV virus, as there are over 100 different strains of HPV with specific strains causing specific types of warts.

The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, scratches, or puncture wounds. Once the virus enters the skin, it begins to replicate and grow, leading to the formation of warts.

It’s also important to note that warts can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. This means that using public showers, swimming pools, and other shared facilities increases the risk of contracting the virus and developing warts.

There are several factors that can contribute to the sudden appearance of warts, with one of the most common being a weakened immune system. When your body’s immune system is weakened, it is easier for the HPV virus to take hold and cause warts to form.

Another potential cause of sudden warts is exposure to the virus. HPV is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or surface. If you come into contact with someone who has warts or touch a surface that has been contaminated with the virus, you are at risk for infection.

Certain lifestyle habits can also contribute to the sudden onset of warts. For example, biting your nails or picking at your skin can create small cuts or breaks in the skin, making it easier for the virus to enter.

If you suddenly have warts appearing all over your body, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation. They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment options that are appropriate for your specific needs.

The best method for wart removal depends on several factors, including the size and location of the wart, as well as your overall health and personal preferences. Here are some of the most effective procedures used for removing warts:

•Freezing. This method of wart removal involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. It’s a quick and painless procedure that can be done by a dermatologist.
•Laser therapy. A laser is used to destroy the blood vessels that supply the wart.
•Over-the-counter treatments. There are several over-the-counter wart treatments available, including salicylic acid, which works by removing the infected skin layer one at a time.
•Surgery. A dermatologist can surgically remove a wart under local anesthesia, which is a method is typically only used for large or stubborn warts.

Contrary to popular belief, cutting off a wart doesn’t guarantee that it won’t grow back.

In fact, cutting off a wart can sometimes make it grow back even bigger and more stubborn than before. This is because cutting a wart only removes the visible part of the growth, but the virus that caused the wart is still present underneath the skin.

When a wart is cut off, the HPV virus that caused the wart can still be present in the skin underneath. This means that even if the visible part of the wart is removed, the virus can continue to thrive and cause the wart to regrow.

In addition to this, cutting a wart off can sometimes cause the virus to spread, leading to the development of new warts in other areas of the skin.

Overall, cutting off a wart is not a recommended method for removing warts. Instead, it’s best to seek professional treatment from a dermatologist or healthcare provider that can ensure your wart is removed completely and safely.

If you’d like more information about wart removal and whether our treatment options are the right fit for you, connect with us at Midwest Dermatology Centre or book in online to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Our top-tier medical team would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about our abundant offerings. We serve patients from Granville OH, Park Ridge OH, Welsh Hills OH, Newark OH, Alexandria OH, Pataskala OH and surrounding areas.