Verruca vulgaris are common warts Warts Warts (verrucae) are small skin growths caused by human papillomavirus infection. Warts are caused by human papillomaviruses. Raised or flat growths appear on any part of the skin. Most warts... read more 
, which are caused by infection with human papillomavirus Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts. Some types of HPV cause skin warts, and other types cause genital warts (growths in or around the vagina, penis, or rectum). Infection with some HPV... read more 
. Such warts can develop anywhere on the skin and frequently appear on the cuticle (the skin at the base of the nail) and sometimes the area beneath the nail. Nail biting (onychophagia) can spread this infection.
Warts in these areas are especially difficult to treat. Freezing (cryotherapy) with liquid nitrogen may be effective.
Prescription drugs are often needed for chronic infections. These include 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod, which are applied to the skin.
