Warts are local skin growths that are caused by strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus has many subtypes (over 100, actually). It is spread through contact, and even more easily through skin openings. This viral infection in humans has been going on for thousands of years. It has no cure. You can be infected with HPV, and not see any symptoms for years. So, there is little you can do to avoid it, except to not touch it, if it’s visible on you, or someone else. You can also take care not to spread it through cross-contamination on objects (see below). Please see more on our website.