Seven to ten percent of the population are affected at some time with warts, but the highest frequency is during early teens. There is a relatively high incidence of spontaneous resolution without treatment. Warts may last for 6-12 months, or longer. Warts that are painful, spreading, subject to infection or injury, or cosmetically objectionable should be treated. Treatment may have to be changed for resistant warts.
Warts can occur almost anywhere on the body.
Periungual and subungual warts occur around and at the base of the nail. Plantar warts may become quite large and painful, and take persistent treatment to clear up. Filiform warts are slender soft thread-like growths seen primarily on the face and neck. Condylomata acuminata are warts that occur in warm moist areas such as the genital, rectal, and inquinal areas. They may be acquired by sexual contact.