Warts

A wart is a common contagious growth on the skin. Warts can occur singly or in clusters. Only the top layer of skin is affected. The black dots you often see are capillaries (tiny blood vessels) that have become clotted due to the rapid skin growth that the wart virus causes.

Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are over 60 different types of HPV – warts are usually caused by types 1-4.

More information for parents and visitors on warts