Warts are caused by a viral infection known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions, and it causes the skin cells to grow rapidly, resulting in the formation of a wart.
Now, when it comes to the black dots or seeds that are often seen in warts, these are actually tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Capillaries are responsible for supplying the wart with blood, which carries essential nutrients and oxygen to help the wart grow and survive.
The reason why these capillaries become visible as black dots is because the wart itself is raised above the surface of the skin. As the wart grows, it pushes the skin layers apart, causing the capillaries to be located closer to the surface. This proximity to the surface, combined with the fact that the wart is made up of thicker layers of skin, makes the capillaries more visible.
The black color of these capillaries is due to the presence of blood. When blood is exposed to the air, it undergoes a process called oxidation, which causes it to turn black. This is similar to what happens when you cut yourself and the blood that comes out initially appears red, but then turns darker as it is exposed to oxygen.
It’s important to note that not all warts have visible black dots. The appearance of black dots can vary depending on the type and location of the wart. For example, common warts, which typically appear on the hands and fingers, are more likely to have visible black dots compared to flat warts, which are often found on the face and legs.
In some cases, the presence of black dots in a wart can also be an indication of a more serious condition called melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can sometimes mimic the appearance of a wart. If you notice any changes in the color, size, or shape of a wart, or if it becomes painful or starts bleeding, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
To summarize, the black dots seen in some warts are actually tiny blood vessels known as capillaries. These capillaries supply the wart with blood, nutrients, and oxygen, and their visibility is due to the wart’s raised position and thicker layers of skin. It’s worth noting that not all warts have visible black dots, and any changes in a wart’s appearance should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.