wart

views updated

wart (wort) n. a benign growth on the skin caused by infection with human papillomavirus. Treatment of warts is with over-the-counter remedies, such as lactic and salicylic acids, but cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is probably more effective. common w. a firm horny papule found mainly on the hands. Most will clear spontaneously within two years. genital w. a wart that is frequently associated with other genital infections; affected woman have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. plane w. a flat skin-coloured wart usually found on the face; it may be present in very large numbers. plantar w. (verruca) a wart occurring on the sole of the foot. Plantar warts are often tender.

More From encyclopedia.com