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Warts are growths on the skin. They most often occur on the hands and feet. According to MayoClinic.com, warts are generally harmless and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Significance
Warts are formed when HPV causes a fast growth of excess cells on the outer layer of the skin. They can be spread from their original site to other areas of the body through breaks in the skin.
Function
HPV is passed from person to person. The virus is very contagious and can be spread from casual and sexual contact, although the warts themselves vary in their transmittability.
Types
Some warts are more contagious than others. Contact with common warts almost never spreads the virus, whereas genital warts are highly contagious, reports MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
Not everyone who contracts HPV will develop warts. According to MayoClinic.com, everyone's immune system reacts differently to the virus.
Warning
Some strains of HPV have been known to cause cervical cancer. However, there are more than 100 strains of the virus and most are completely benign.
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