Warts are a type of infection caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family (there are more than 100 types of HPV viruses). Growing on all parts of your body, warts commonly grow on your skin, on the inside of your mouth, on your genitals and on your rectal area. Some types of HPV tend to cause warts on the skin, while other HPV types tend to cause warts on the genitals and rectal area. Some people are more naturally resistant to the HPV viruses and don't seem to get warts as easily as other people.

While some warts go away on their own, others do not and can be painful, intrusive, or irritating.  Others can cause embarrassment, especially if they are visible (like on the face or hands).  There are a variety of ways to treat warts and decrease the chance that they will spread or return.  Your dermatologist will decide whether to chemically remove the wart or if surgical removal is necessary.