What are the causes of common warts?
Disease description:
I have developed papules on my arms and neck due to common warts. They are neither painful nor itchy. I am unsure what caused this. What are the causes of common warts?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The main causes of common warts include:
1. Viral infection: Common warts are primarily caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Especially when there are breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, HPV can more easily enter the body and infect surface skin cells, leading to the development of common warts.
2. Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as children, adolescents, and those with immunodeficiency disorders or who are long-term users of immunosuppressive agents, are more susceptible to HPV infection and more likely to develop common warts.
3. Skin injuries: When the skin is injured through trauma, friction, or scratching, the damaged epidermal cells provide an entry point for HPV, increasing the risk of developing common warts.
4. Indirect contact transmission: Contact with personal items such as clothing or towels used by an infected person, or being in an environment contaminated with HPV, may also lead to indirect transmission of the virus and the development of common warts.
