Can you bust a wart

While there are several different types of warts, they're all caused by same virus — the human papillomavirus HPV , which has over known strains some of which are associated with genital warts and cervical cancer. Think of warts like cousins — they're all related even though they represent different strains. Common warts are — shocker — common, and usually found on the hands, elbows or knees, Marie Jhin , a board-certified dermatologist in California, tells Allure. According to the AAD, you're most likely to find common warts on your hands or around your nails, though they can easily spread if you touch your face or other areas of the body.

Sometimes, common warts have little black dots that look almost like seeds, the AAD says. These are dubbed "seed warts. These warts occur mostly on the soles of your feet again, big shocker. The result is a wart that looks like a small callous. They tend to pop up in clusters of more than one. Due to their location, plantar warts are more common in people who do lots of barefoot activities, like certain types of dance or gymnastics, says Jhin, and are especially common in kids.

These tiny smooth, flat bumps often come in large numbers — between 20 and , according to the AAD. Where they pop up might seem kind of random: "They are more common on light-exposed areas of the face and back of the hands," explains Jhin. For men they often appear in the beard area while women tend to get them on their legs — both problematic areas if you shave, since this can inadvertently create an entire trail of warts, explains Brodell, "typically in the direction you shave.

Filiform warts are among the most visually shocking. Pimples happen when dirt or oils block your skin pores. This leads to red bumps full of white pus built up in the pore to appear on your skin.

Unlike pimples, herpes bumps tend to be clear or yellow and filled with a clear liquid. Keep reading to learn more about how to differentiate the two, what treatment options are available, and what you can do to avoid future outbreaks. Both pimples and genital herpes appear as clusters of red bumps.

They may both feel itchy or irritated, and they can both show up on your butt, too. Pimples and herpes each have distinct symptoms, though. Pimples can appear one at a time or in small clusters. If you wear a jockstrap or tight underwear , pimples may break out where the strap or underwear clogged your pores. Pimples feel firm if you poke or squeeze them.

They may also bleed or leak thick white fluid if they get scratched or irritated. They only jut out if they become filled with pus. The blisters may appear in clusters and can also appear on your rectum and mouth. The blisters tend to feel squishy. When herpes blisters break, fluid will spill out and may cause more pain.

The blisters may not heal for 4 weeks. You can have an outbreak at any time after contracting the virus. Consequently, you may contract the virus by walking barefoot around swimming pools or locker rooms.

If the virus spreads from the first site of infection, more warts may appear. When plantar warts cause pain, you may alter your normal posture or gait — perhaps without realizing it. Eventually, this change in how you stand, walk or run can cause muscle or joint discomfort.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Plantar warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Plantar warts Plantar warts are caused by the same type of virus that causes warts on your hands and fingers.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. These lesions are often painful. Genital herpes may also appear on the buttocks or mouth in some cases. The pus-filled blisters will eventually burst, leaving an ulcer-like sore on the skin. People may experience additional pain when the blisters burst.

It can take several weeks for a herpes outbreak to subside. The first outbreak, however, tends to be the most severe. Lesions caused by genital herpes tend to feel softer than a pimple and can sometimes resemble a blister. Genital pimples, by contrast, often feel firm to the touch.

Pimples may appear one at a time or in small clusters. Pimples also tend to form near areas where sweat can collect. They may develop in areas where underwear or other tight clothing touches the skin, causing sweat and dirt to build up.

Pimples develop within pores and will only rise above the skin surface if they accumulate enough pus. Pimples will leak thick pus or blood if squeezed or scratched. Genital pimples may itch, but unlike herpes lesions, they do not tend to be painful unless a person applies pressure to them. Pimples may also appear following intense exercise, heat, or humidity. Pimples will clear up quickly in most cases.

A virus known as herpes simplex virus HSV causes genital herpes. The virus can easily spread from person-to-person through sexual activity. Sexual activity can spread both types of the herpes virus. Practicing safe sex can help prevent the virus from spreading.