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Wart vs. Pimple — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Warts are caused by viruses and have rough, skin-colored surfaces. Pimples are a result of blocked pores and can be red, filled with pus. Both are common skin conditions.
Wart vs. Pimple — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Wart and Pimple

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Key Differences

Warts are skin growths that arise due to infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They have a rough, skin-colored appearance and can grow on any part of the body. Pimples, on the other hand, are red, tender bumps with white pus at their tips, resulting from blocked skin pores.
Warts are caused by various strains of HPV. They are contagious and can spread by direct contact or indirectly from shared surfaces. Pimples, in contrast, arise due to oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria blocking the skin pores, leading to inflammation. They are not contagious.
In terms of treatment, warts can be removed using over-the-counter solutions, freezing, or surgical procedures. Pimples can be managed with topical treatments, oral medications, and good skincare practices. Both conditions can recur but are generally harmless.
Warts may remain for months to years and might recur after removal. They are not associated with hygiene. Pimples, however, often relate to hormonal changes, diet, stress, or poor skincare and are most common during adolescence but can occur at any age.
It's essential to avoid picking at warts and pimples. Picking at warts can spread the virus, while disturbing pimples can cause scarring or deeper infections.
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Comparison Chart

Cause

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Blocked skin pores (oil, dead skin, bacteria)

Appearance

Rough, skin-colored
Red bump with possible white pus

Contagious?

Yes
No

Treatment

OTC solutions, freezing, surgery
Topical treatments, oral medications

Related to

Viral infection
Hormonal changes, diet, stress, skincare

Compare with Definitions

Wart

An imperfection or flaw seen in an individual or object.
That small dent is the only wart on this otherwise perfect car.

Pimple

A small, raised, red or white spot on the skin.
The pimple on his forehead was very noticeable.

Wart

A type of growth on the skin, often larger and less regular than the common wart.
The old toad had a large wart on its back.

Pimple

A small pustule or papule on the skin caused by clogged pores.
After eating too much chocolate, she got a pimple on her chin.

Wart

A small protuberance or elevation.
He felt a tiny wart on the wooden table's surface.

Pimple

A small, inflamed elevation of the skin.
He was disappointed to see a pimple right before the prom.

Wart

A hardened growth, especially on plants.
There was a wart-like growth on the potato.

Pimple

A trivial blemish or imperfection.
The stain on the painting was like a pimple on a masterpiece.

Wart

A small, rough growth on the skin caused by HPV.
She noticed a small wart on her finger.

Pimple

A pimple is a kind of comedo that results from excess sebum and dead skin cells getting trapped in the pores of the skin. In its aggravated state, it may evolve into a pustule or papules.

Wart

Warts are typically small, rough, hard growths that are similar in color to the rest of the skin. They typically do not result in other symptoms, except when on the bottom of the feet, where they may be painful.

Pimple

A small swelling of the skin, usually caused by acne; a papule or pustule.

Wart

A hard rough lump growing on the skin, caused by infection with certain viruses and occurring typically on the hands or feet.

Pimple

(dermatology) An inflamed (raised and colored) spot on the surface of the skin that is usually painful and fills with pus.

Wart

A similar growth or protuberance, as on a plant.

Pimple

(slang) An annoying person.

Wart

A genital wart.

Pimple

(Cockney rhyming slang) Scotch whisky
Pimple and blotch

Wart

One that resembles or is likened to a wart, especially in unattractiveness or smallness.

Pimple

To develop pimples

Wart

An imperfection; a flaw.

Pimple

Any small acuminated elevation of the cuticle, whether going on to suppuration or not.

Wart

(pathology) A type of deformed growth occurring on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Pimple

Fig.: A swelling or protuberance like a pimple.

Wart

Any similar growth occurring in plants or animals, such as the parotoid glands in the back of toads.

Pimple

A small inflamed elevation of the skin; a pustule or papule; common symptom in acne

Wart

Any of the prefixes used in Hungarian notation.

Pimple

A minor annoyance or problem.
In the grand scheme of things, that issue is just a pimple.

Wart

A small, usually hard, tumor on the skin formed by enlargement of its vascular papillæ, and thickening of the epidermis which covers them.

Wart

An excrescence or protuberance more or less resembling a true wart; specifically (Bot.), a glandular excrescence or hardened protuberance on plants.

Wart

Any small rounded protuberance (as on certain plants or animals)

Wart

(pathology) a firm abnormal elevated blemish on the skin; caused by a virus

Common Curiosities

Are warts contagious?

Yes, warts can spread through direct contact or from shared surfaces.

How do you treat warts?

Warts can be treated using over-the-counter solutions, freezing, or surgical procedures.

Can adults get warts or is it just a childhood issue?

Both adults and children can get warts.

Why do pimples often have pus?

The pus in pimples is a result of the body's response to bacterial inflammation in the pore.

What causes a wart?

Warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What triggers a pimple to form?

Pimples are caused by blocked skin pores due to oil, dead skin, bacteria, or inflammation.

Can pimples spread like warts?

No, pimples are not contagious like warts.

How can one prevent pimples?

Regular skincare, a balanced diet, and avoiding stress can help prevent pimples.

Do pimples always indicate poor hygiene?

No, while hygiene can play a role, factors like hormones, diet, and genetics can also cause pimples.

Is it okay to pop a pimple?

It's best not to pop a pimple as it can lead to scarring or deeper infection.

Do warts have roots?

No, warts do not have "roots," but they can grow into the top layer of skin.

Are all warts the same?

No, there are various types of warts, including common, plantar, and flat warts.

Is there a link between diet and warts or pimples?

Diet doesn't directly cause warts. However, certain foods might exacerbate acne in some people, leading to pimples.

Can warts turn cancerous?

While rare, certain strains of HPV related to warts can be associated with skin cancer.

Why do some people get more pimples than others?

It can be due to factors like genetics, hormonal changes, diet, and skincare habits.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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