Common and plantar warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus.

Warts can be round or irregular in shape, flat or raised from the surface of the skin. Typically, common warts grow around the nails, on the fingers and on the backs of hands, but also can be found on the knees and face (most often where the skin has been previously broken). A common wart can also be recognized by its rough, "cauliflower"-like surface.

Plantar warts are warts that develop on the soles of the feet. The normal pressure of standing and walking pushes the plantar wart beneath the surface and a layer of thick skin similar to a callus forms over it. They appear flat in structure with dark specks often visible beneath the surface.

No matter how well you take care of your skin, there is unfortunately no foolproof way to avoid getting warts. There are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting or spreading them.

Warts are contagious and can spread from person to person or from one body part to another by touch or direct contact. While most warts will eventually go away, it can take a very long time. During this prolonged time, the virus can spread to other parts of your body or you can spread it to other people. While warts are nothing you should be overly concerned about from a medical standpoint, they are unsightly and irritating, and will continue to spread as long as you have them.