There are only a handful of different wart types out there, but first let’s clarify what warts are. Warts are small, harmless skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus. They can grow individually or in groups.
The first type is the common wart. They can grow anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the fingers, knees and elbows. Common warts are firm and rough. They can vary in shape, but are often almost perfectly round. And they average about a half inch in diameter. They’re often described as “cauliflower” like in appearance. They vary in color from a dark brown to a yellow or flesh color. You may also notice small dark spots in the center, which are blood vessels.
Plantar warts are another wart type. These are warts that grow on the feet-usually the sole of the foot. They’re very similar in appearance to common warts, except they’re often flat. The flattened shape is caused the pressure of walking on them. Of course, the pressure from walking also means they can become painful, which they often do.
Next, there are flat warts. This particular kind of wart is most common in children, but adults can get them. Flat warts tend to grow in larger numbers, sometimes over 20 at a time. In children, they tend to grow on the face, and adults tend to find them on their extremities. Flat warts are generally lighter in color than other types of warts. And as you’ve probably already guessed, they tend to be flat and smooth in appearance.
Finally, there are a few other types of warts out there, including periungual (around the nail) and genital. Both of these warts are characterized by their body location, i.e. they tend to grow in those particular regions of the body.
Also, there are filiform warts, which are characterized by their shape in that these warts tend to be long and narrow. They commonly grow on the eyelids.