What is the primary cause of warts on the skin?

The primary cause of warts on the skin is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Warts are benign growths that result from the infection of the skin by this virus. HPV triggers the rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin, leading to the formation of warts, which can appear in various shapes and sizes depending on the strain of the virus and the location on the body.

While viruses in general are responsible for warts, stating HPV specifically highlights the exact virus known to cause these skin growths. Other types of infections, such as fungal or bacterial infections, do not lead to the same effects on skin cell growth and structure as HPV does. Fungal infections typically manifest differently, such as with athlete's foot or ringworm, and bacterial infections usually result in conditions like impetigo or boils, which are distinct from warts. Therefore, recognizing HPV as the primary culprit helps to understand the unique nature of warts and differentiate them from other skin conditions caused by different pathogens.