wart

A wart is a small, usually harmless growth on the skin caused by a virus. You often see it on the hands or feet. It is a rough little bump that can look unpleasant and sometimes feel uncomfortable. It can spread through contact, so it is wise not to pick at it or touch someone else's. People have long told stories about home remedies, but many of them do not work very well. The word can also be used in a figurative way for a small but obvious flaw.

Warts are small growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They develop when the virus enters through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. There are several different types of warts, each appearing slightly differently. Common warts often appear as rough, raised bumps on the hands and fingers. Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet and can be painful because they press into the skin while walking. Flat warts are smaller and smoother, sometimes appearing in large numbers.

Historically, warts have been surrounded by superstition. In folklore, they were often linked with witches or said to come from touching a toad. While modern medicine explains their viral cause, these old beliefs still appear in some cultures.

Though most warts eventually disappear on their own, treatments are available if you want to remove them faster, from over-the-counter products like salicylic acid to procedures done by a doctor, such as freezing or burning. While they are generally harmless, any unusual skin growth should be checked by a medical professional to rule out other conditions.

The word also has a figurative meaning. People sometimes use it for a small but noticeable flaw, especially in the phrase warts and all, which means showing the bad parts as well as the good ones. In that sense, a wart is not something on the skin but an imperfection that is easy to see.