Historically, warts were associated with witches, but most of us have suffered from 'cauliflower' nasties at some point.

These small skin growths - often with a rough surface can really hurt. There are several different types:

Common warts (which account for 70% of all warts)
Plane warts (smoother and usually found on the back of your hands)
Plantar warts (otherwise known as Verrucas)
Genital Warts.

So what gives warts their cauliflower-like appearance?

This is due to an excess of the protein keratin in the skin, caused by the wart virus, which results in the growth's rough raised appearance.

Genital warts however are often smooth and flat and can be harder to spot.

What Causes Them?

Both warts and thier foot equivalents verrucas are caused by the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). The bad news is that there are more than 100 HPV strains, each causing different types of wart.

Children are more likely to get them as their bodies have had no previous exposure to the HPV Virus and therefore have no immunity to it.

Individuals with a lowered immune system eg transplant patients taking immune-suppressant drugs are also more susceptible to developing warts.

How do you catch them?

Warts are usually transfered through skin contact. Swimming pools and other areas where you go barefoot are easy places to pick up warts and verrucas. You can also transfer warts to different areas of your own body via broken skin, so take extra care.

Any Consequences?

Aside from being an eyesore and causing minor discomfort, most warts are completely harmless. Genital warts, however can have serious consequences. These are caused by a different strain of the HPV virus to the common wart, and are sexually transmitted.

Women who have suffered from gential warts are more likley to develop cervial cancer in later life. Gential warts have also been linked with an increased risk of a form of skin cancer known as Squamous cell carinoma, but this is very rare.

The only way to avoid catching genital warts is by using condoms.

How can I get rid of them?

20 per cent of warts disappear without treatment within 6 months, and 65 percent within 2 years, so wait a while before taking action.

For more persistant and painful offenders, there are a variety of treatments available.

Conventional medical therapies include Cryotherapy, which involves a doctor 'freezing off' the wart by spraying it with carbon dioxide. Alternatively you can paint the wart with salycic acid based treatment.