Warts are benign growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Over 100 strains exist, but only a few cause warts on specific body parts. They’re generally harmless but can be bothersome or painful. Common warts appear on hands as rough bumps with black dots—those are dead capillaries. Plantar warts grow on feet, often inward, and can hurt when walking. Flat warts are smaller, smoother, and grow in large numbers. Filiform warts look like threads sticking out, often on the face. Genital warts are sexually transmitted. Butcher’s warts affect people handling raw meat. Warts are common—about ten percent of the global population has them.

Warts spread through direct contact with a wart or indirect contact with contaminated objects like towels or razors. The virus enters through small cuts in the skin. Not all HPV strains cause warts, and the strains that cause cancer do not cause warts. You can have one wart or several in the same area. They range from one millimeter to a couple of centimeters. Children are especially prone. So are people with weakened immune systems.

About sixty-five percent of warts go away on their own within two years. But treatments can speed that up. Over-the-counter products with salicylic acid dissolve warts layer by layer. Cryotherapy freezes them off. Doctors can also use topical chemicals, surgical removal, electrosurgery, or laser treatment. Never try to cut or rip a wart yourself. That leads to infection. Let a professional handle it.

To prevent warts, don’t touch other people’s warts. Don’t share towels, razors, or nail clippers. Keep skin moisturized—cracked skin lets HPV in. Wear flip-flops in public locker rooms and pools. If you have a wart, cover it with a bandage. Wash your hands after touching it. Don’t shave over it. Warts are annoying but manageable. They don’t define you. And most of them will eventually leave. Your body knows how to handle them. Sometimes it just needs a little help—and a little patience. That’s all.