Viruses from the human papillomaviruses (HPV) (say: pah-pih-LOH-mah-vy-rus) family cause warts. HPV viruses are like other germs. The wart virus loves warm, moist places like small cuts or scratches on your hands or feet. Once the virus finds a nice warm place on the skin, a wart begins to develop.

HPV is very common, and more than 100 kinds of the virus exist. But only a few of them cause warts on the feet. Other types of HPV are more likely to cause warts on other areas of your skin or on mucous membranes.

But common warts are actually an infection in the top layer of skin, caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus, or HPV, family. When the virus invades this outer layer of skin, usually through a tiny scratch, it causes rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of skin – creating the wart.

Warts often go away on their own after your immune system fights off the virus. Because warts can spread, cause pain and be unsightly, your doctor may recommend treatment. Options include: At-home wart removal: Over-the-counter (OTC) wart removal medications, such as Compound W®, contain salicylic acid.

Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is quite common and has more than 150 types, but only a few cause warts on your hands. Some strains of HPV are acquired through sexual contact.

However, patients had significantly lower mean serum vitamin B12 level compared with participants without warts (P = 0.010)….Table 1.

There have been several studies which have shown that a simple supplement of zinc can improve and clear warts. Zinc supplements (usually tablets) can be bought over the counter at most pharmacies.

To treat a wart, soak it for 10 to 15 minutes (you can do this in the shower or bath), file away the dead warty skin with an emery board or pumice stone, and apply the salicylic acid. Do this once or twice a day for 12 weeks.

Boost your immune system

1. Eat a healthy diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Exercise regularly to maintain excellent heart health. Walking, taking an aerobics class, or riding a bike are all good physical activity options.
3. Get enough rest at night to promote immune function and recovery.

Weakened Defenses Some people are at increased risk for warts due to weakened immune systems. Teenagers and people who have conditions that weaken their immune systems, like HIV, are at increased risk for warts.