Wart
![](/Images/godic/202502/20/Dornwarzen1430.jpg")
![A filiform wart on the eyelid.](/Images/godic/202502/20/Wart_filiform_eyelid1431.jpg")
![Micrograph of a common wart (verruca vulgaris) showing the characteristic features (hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, hypergranulosis, rete ridge elongation, and large blood vessels at the dermoepidermal junction, H&E stain)](/Images/godic/202502/20/Verruca_vulgaris_-_very_low_mag1431.jpg")
![Two viral warts on a middle finger, being treated with a mixture of acids (like salicylic acid) to remove them. A white precipitate forms on the area where the product was applied.](/Images/godic/202502/20/Wart_ASA_animated1431.gif")
A wart is a small, rough growth resembling a cauliflower or a solid blister. It typically occurs on humans' hands or feet but often in other locations. Warts are caused by a viral infection, specifically by one of the many types of human papillomavirus (HPV). There are as many as 10 varieties of warts, the most common considered to be mostly harmless. It is possible to get warts from others; they are contagious and usually enter the body in an area of broken skin. Warts are usually asymptomatic except when they occur on weight-bearing areas.