Warts are caused by a viral infection of the upper layer of the skin. They can spread to other areas on the body and to other people. There are several types of warts that can develop on the skin, and all of them can spread. Spreading may be more likely if they are picked or bitten or if the skin in the area is irritated (e.g., from eczema, dry skin, wart treatment). Warts may develop several months after the initial contact, so it may be difficult to identify from whom or where they were contracted.
Treatment: Warts in children will occasionally disappear without treatment. This may take several months to several years. As a rule, there is no major problem with having such a viral infection. However, since warts can spread to other areas of the body or to other people, and can be unsightly and uncomfortable in certain locations, we generally treat them. Adults are less likely to experience spontaneous resolution of their warts and generally require treatment of them.