Warts develop because of infection with certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Understanding the Cause of Warts
Warts are not caused by frogs or toads, as some myths suggest. The real culprit is HPV, a common virus with many different strains. Different HPV strains lead to different types of warts. Here's a breakdown:
- HPV Infection: The virus enters the body, typically through small cuts or abrasions in the skin.
- Keratin Overproduction: Once inside, HPV causes the top layer of skin (epidermis) to produce too much keratin.
- Hard Texture: Keratin is a hard protein, and its overproduction is responsible for the rough, hard feel of a wart.
How HPV Leads to Warts
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Entry | HPV enters through cuts or breaks in the skin. |
| 2. Infection | The virus infects skin cells. |
| 3. Overgrowth | HPV triggers excessive keratin production in the epidermis. |
| 4. Wart Formation | The overproduced keratin causes the typical raised, rough wart texture. |
Practical Insights
- Contagious Nature: Warts are contagious and can spread through direct skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Prevention: To help prevent warts, maintain good hygiene and avoid direct contact with someone who has warts.
- Varied Appearances: Warts can vary in appearance, depending on the type of HPV and the location on the body.
In summary, a wart comes from a specific HPV infection that leads to excessive keratin production, causing the characteristic texture and growth of a wart.
