Common Warts Vs. Genital Warts

A common misconception of warts is that people get them by touching frogs or by being unclean. Two types of warts people can get are common warts and genital warts.

Identification

• According to Mayo Clinic, common warts often have a rough texture and are flesh-colored. Genital warts are flesh-colored bumps that may multiply into clusters.

Causes

• Both common warts and genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Common warts are transmitted through physical contact or by touching an object used by a person with the virus and genital warts are transmitted sexually.

Location

• Common warts are usually located on the hands, fingers or toes. Genital warts are found on the genitals, pubic area or anus.

Treatment

• Common warts can usually be treated with over-the-counter products or a doctor could destroy the wart by freezing it. Doctors treat genital warts by prescribing a cream or a lotion and may remove larger warts through surgery.

Considerations

• You can prevent spreading common warts on your body by washing your hands after touching them or by not picking them. If you are a female between the ages of 11 and 26, you can get the HPV vaccine, which can help prevent genital warts.