Wart is described as?

• A. Viral infections on the top layer of skin caused by the human papillomavirus
• B. A thickening of the epidermis
• C. Well defined elevated cluster of flat, scaly skin
• D. Red, itchy patches in allergic reactions

Answer: (A)

Wartsare caused by human papillomavirus infecting keratinocytes in the epidermis. This makes them a viral infection localized to the top skin layer, which is exactly what the description captures. The other options describe skin changes that aren’t driven by a viral infection of the skin: thickening of the epidermis is a non-infectious hyperkeratosis, a plaque-like cluster suggests a condition like psoriasis, and red, itchy patches point to dermatitis or an allergic reaction.