Causes of Warts

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Warts are caused by different strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). The infection is present in the skin cells of the wart, and can be passed on through close skin-to-skin contact.

You are more likely to catch the infection if your skin is damaged, or if it is wet or in contact with rough surfaces. For example, public swimming pools are a common place to catch verrucas. People with scratches or cuts on the soles of their feet are especially vulnerable.

You can also spread the warts to other areas of your body, for example, if you scratch or bite them. This can cause the wart to break up and bleed, making it easier to spread the infection.

People with a weak immune system (as a result of immune system diseases, such as AIDS, or as a result of certain treatments such as chemotherapy) are more likely to catch warts. They may develop lots of warts that are difficult to get rid of.

Genital warts are caused by a strain of the HPV virus that is passed on during sex, or very close sexual contact. However, most people infected with HPV donâ€™t develop visible warts. You can carry the virus without realising, and pass it onto other people who then go on to develop genital warts.