Warts and molluscum are both caused by viruses on the skin, warts by one of 60 subtypes of Human Palilloma Virus and molluscum by a virus called Molluscum Contagiosum.

A wart is typically a raised growth which can affect any part of the skin and mucous membranes. Warts are usually round or oval and rough, but may be flat or smooth. Plantar warts occur on the surface of the feet and may cause pain and discomfort. Warts can spread to other areas of the body or be passed to other people. They also may cause emotional stress and embarrassment.

Some strains of the human papilloma virus can cause pre-cancerous wart growths, in particular in the groin mucosa and cervix.

Many treatments are available for warts, including over-the-counter preparations, prescriptions for home treatment, in-office freezing or creams to boost the immune system to fight off the wart virus. Warts usually need multiple treatment visits for complete resolution.