What it means
A skin growth caused by one of the many types of human papillomavirus. Common warts appear on the hands and fingers; plantar warts on the soles of the feet; genital warts in the genital area, which spread through sexual contact. Warts spread by touch and often go away on their own, though it may take months or years. Treatments include freezing, salicylic acid and minor surgery.
For the nurse
Teach clients not to pick at warts, to keep feet covered in public showers, and that the HPV vaccine protects against the types that cause most genital warts and cervical cancer.
At a glance
| Spanish | verruga |
|---|---|
| Also written | warts |
Related terms
papule
A small, solid, raised bump on the skin, less than 1 cm across, with no fluid inside.
cervical cancer
Cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
virus
A tiny germ, much smaller than a bacterium, that can only multiply inside the living cells of another organism.