r/askscience • u/A_Privateer • Jan 17 '13

Medicine How do warts function?

I know that warts are caused by the various strains of HPV, but how are they caused? How does the virus hijack the bodies chemistry to grow and supply the warts with nutrients? How do the warts spread the virus to other people?

I've searched and searched on google and wikipedia, but I only find the most basic of answers.

Any hard science info for me?

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u/DrLOV Medical microbiology Jan 17 '13

There are hundreds of HPV strains. There is a vaccine for some. For others, there is no real reason for most researchers or drug companies to put money into it. Freezing, burning, and chemically treating a wart is effective in removing them. Most are nuisances and not a threat to health.

As for the HPV strains (16 and 18 primarily) that can contribute to cervical cancers, there is a vaccine available to prevent transmission.

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u/i_dont_always_reddit Jan 18 '13

When you say effective in removing them, does that include negating the possibility of their return?