warts
Last edited 11/2018
Viral warts are benign papillomas caused by infection of the keratinocytes by human papilloma viruses (1).
- prevalence in the general population is estimated to be between 7-12% (2)
- commonly seen in childhood, but can occur at any age
- small cohort observational studies have suggested that 5–30% of children and young adults have warts (1)
HPV is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact. Indirect transmission via contact with contaminated surfaces also may occur. Incubation period may last from 1 month to 2 years (3).
Risk factors include:
- immunosuppression
- close contact with affected people
- damaged epithelial barrier e.g. -
- plantar warts transmitted from swimming pools due to the rough surfaces abrading the skin of the feet
- nail biting - periungual warts
- shaving – spreads warts over the beard area
- along the sites of trauma – warts may develop in these sites, known as the Koebner phenomenon (2,3).
If the immune system is compromised they can present major problems to cure.
Reference:
- (1) Sterling JC et al. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts 2014. Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(4):696-712.
- (2) Lynch MD, Cliffe J, Morris-Jones R. Management of cutaneous viral warts. BMJ. 2014;348:g3339.
- (3) Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS). Clinical Guidance – Warts (November 2017)
- (4) HPA (2008) School health matters: a guide to communicable diseases and infection control. Health Protection Agency.