HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a common virus with over 100 strains. While some cause warts, others can lead to cancers like cervical or throat cancer. It spreads through direct contact, not necessarily sexual, and many people carry it without knowing.
What Do HPV Warts Look Like?
HPV warts can appear in many forms depending on where they show up:
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Mouth or lip warts: Flesh-colored bumps, sometimes flat, other times raised and rough. In some cases, they cluster together and resemble a cauliflower.
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Finger or hand warts: Small, round, with black pinpoints inside (these are clotted blood vessels). Can be mistaken for calluses or even splinters.
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Inner cheek or gum warts: Smooth or slightly raised bumps that people often confuse with canker sores.
These warts don’t usually hurt, but they can itch, grow, or multiply over time.
How Does It Spread?
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Touching an infected person’s skin or a contaminated surface
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Sharing personal items like lip balm, razors, towels, or makeup
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Biting your nails or picking at your skin when you have small cuts
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Walking barefoot in public showers or locker rooms
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Using unclean tools at nail salons or barber shops
You don’t need direct contact with a wart to get the virus. Sometimes, all it takes is touching something an infected person touched.
