Overview
Cutaneous warts, also called verrucae, are benign proliferations of skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Most common warts on the hands and feet are due to HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27 and 57.
HPV is usually transmitted by contact with skin of an infected individual or by transmission of virus living in warm moist environment.
Autoinoculation may occur from traumatizing lesions by biting or scratching.
Incubation period is unknown but may range from months to years.
Many treatment options are available but there are very few well-controlled studies testing the efficacy of treatment options.
Begin treatment with the least painful method especially in children. Aggressive and destructive treatment regimens should be given for recalcitrant lesions and areas where scarring is not a concern. There is no single therapy that has proven to achieve complete remission of warts in all patients.
For further information regarding the management of Warts - Cutaneous, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
Most common warts on the hands and feet are due to HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27 and 57.
HPV is usually transmitted by contact with skin of an infected individual or by transmission of virus living in warm moist environment.
Autoinoculation may occur from traumatizing lesions by biting or scratching.
Incubation period is unknown but may range from months to years.
Many treatment options are available but there are very few well-controlled studies testing the efficacy of treatment options.
Begin treatment with the least painful method especially in children. Aggressive and destructive treatment regimens should be given for recalcitrant lesions and areas where scarring is not a concern. There is no single therapy that has proven to achieve complete remission of warts in all patients.
For further information regarding the management of Warts - Cutaneous, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
