Warts: Overview

What are warts?

Warts are benign (not cancerous) skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). You are more likely to get one of these viruses if you cut or damage your skin in some way.

Wart viruses are contagious. Warts can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart.

Warts are often skin-colored and feel rough, but they can be dark (brown or gray-black), flat, and smooth.

Warts can develop anywhere on your skin but often form on the hands or feet.

Many warts are cauliflower shaped, as shown here.

Related AAD resources

• How to heal warts more quickly and prevent new ones

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Image used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.