What causes warts and verrucas?
Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in benign growths that are more embarrassing than serious, but which are very contagious. There are over 70 different subtypes of HPV which cause warts and verrucas. Different types of the virus tend to cause warts on different parts of the body. The virus is spread by direct skin contact or by touching moist surfaces, such as floors in swimming pools and changing rooms, which have been in contact with someone who has warts or verrucas.
After the initial contact, the HPV virus may remain inactive or latent in the skin, and there may not be any symptoms that are immediately visible. This means that many people may have HPV without ever knowing it. It can take several months for a wart or verruca to develop.
Warts and verrucas usually occur when there is an opening in the skin which coincides with the time that the person catches HPV, or in skin that is exposed to excessive moisture such as sweaty feet. An opening in the skin can be caused by cuts, scrapes, shaving, biting fingernails and cuticles, cracked skin and eczema.
