Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. These “naked” viruses lack a lipid layer and are made of proteins surrounding DNA.

HPV is classified into low-risk types, which cause warts, and high-risk or oncogenic types, which can lead to cancer, especially of the cervix, genitals, and throat.

Wart types include:

• Common warts: Types 2 and 4

• Flat warts: Types 2, 3, and 5

• Plantar warts: Types 1, 2, 4, and 10

• Genital warts: Types 6 and 11 (low risk), or types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, and 39 (high risk)

• Cancerous lesions: Mainly caused by types 16 and 18

HPV spreads mostly through sexual contact or skin-to-skin contact. About 80% of people will contract it during their lifetime. Most infections show no symptoms and clear on their own.

Detection is possible through Pap smears in women and PCR tests, though no FDA-approved tests exist for men. There’s no cure, but vaccines (bivalent and quadrivalent) can prevent major high-risk types. If pregnant, HPV rarely harms the baby, but delivery decisions may vary.

Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and guidance.