International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Warts (verrucae) are benign proliferative skin lesions caused by infection of keratinocytes with human papillomavirus (HPV). These lesions present in various morphological types depending on the site and HPV subtype, including common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, anogenital warts, and those seen in rarer conditions such as epidermodysplasia verruciformis. The natural history often involves spontaneous resolution, but many lesions persist or recur. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on characteristic appearance, though histopathology or molecular testing may be required in atypical or treatment‐resistant cases. Understanding the etiology, modes of transmission, immune response, and diagnostic criteria are essential for effective management. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the etiology and diagnosis of warts, drawing from recent guidelines and studies.