Warts are an infectious disease of low infectivity caused by a virus. They may occur anywhere on the body but are frequently seen on the hands, feet, and face (areas of frequent contact). Warts may be named by their location and appearance. On the soles of the feet they are called planter warts. Around and under the fingernails or toenails they are periungual or subungual warts, respectively. Common warts on the hands, arms, legs, and elsewhere are verrucae but often just called common warts. Numerous very small smooth flat warts (pinhead size) often seen in large numbers on children's faces, foreheads, arms and legs are called verrucae planae juveniles. These are seen less often in adolescents and seldom in adults.

The typical wart is a rough round or oval raised lump on the skin that may be lighter or darker than the surrounding normal skin, skin colored or even (rarely) black. Most parents are familiar with the look of a typical wart and have little trouble in diagnosing the condition. Warts with a smooth surface and the small flat warts in children may cause some difficulty in diagnosis for the average parent. Common warts cause no discomfort unless they are in areas of repeated trauma.

Plantar warts are no different than the common wart but, because of their location on the soles of the feet, they can become extremely painful. Large numbers of planter warts on the foot may cause difficulty running and walking and can be debilitating.

Applying fresh lemon juice may help. Using a poultice made of lemon juice all night can also help.

A drop of Castor Oil applied each night and each morning is said to help remove warts (albeit slowly).

An old remedy for warts on the hands is to soak the hands in water that has been used to boil eggs.

Some sources quote that applying a cream of Vitamin E directly onto a wart twice a day aids removal.

Of course none of the preceding addresses the question of the underlying reasons for the production of warts. Repeated growth of warts should therefore be treated professionally.