Warts

Warts are a common skin infection that manifests itself as small painless, colorless bumps somewhere on the skin surface. They are caused by a virus that is related to human papillomavirus (or "HPV"), and is picked up when a cut, abrasion, or tear in the skin is exposed to the virus, which can be shed on towels, doorknobs, or a number of common surfaces. This makes warts--especially those on the hands and feet--very common.

There are over 100 types of HPVs that have been identified that can lead to the development of skin warts.>http://www.medicinenet.com/warts_common_warts/article.htm And as a result, there are a number of different types of warts that can appear on the skin. Most people are familiar with "common warts", which are small round bumps that have a cauliflower-like head, and appear on hands, fingers, arms, and knees. "Flat warts", on the other hand, are (as the name indicates) much flatter than common warts, and can appear slightly discolored in shades of pink, gray, or yellow. These are mostly found on the face, though they can appear on hands, arms, or knees. "Filiform warts" are somewhat finger-shaped and grow on the face. And "plantar warts" grow on the bottom of feet, and often can be felt as people walk on them.http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/wart.html Warts can also develop in genital areas, and when they do, are considered a sexually transmitted disease.

There are a few options for treating common warts, including salicylic acid--a medication that comes in drops, gels, or pads, and dissolves the wart as well as the dead skin. Or a person can also opt to freeze off the wart using an over-the-counter wart freezing spray. These products blast the wart with temperatures as low as -70 degrees F. This treatment is comparable to the treatment of liquid nitrogen that is used by doctors and dermatologists, though the doctors' applications are often much colder and more effective. Duct tape, or another type of non-breathing tape, is another treatment option where you need to keep the tape in place for weeks only removing it for a few hours once per week. http://www.medicinenet.com/warts_common_warts/article.htm

For warts that do not respond to home treatment, you may want to seek medical treatment for them to be removed. Similarly, if you have warts other that common warts, or if they are considered high-risk in any way, you will want to see your doctor to discuss treatment. http://www.medicinenet.com/warts_common_warts/article.htm

Although it is very difficult to safeguard yourself from warts 100% of the time, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk of picking up the virus that causes warts. The most basic idea is to practice good hygiene and not expose your skin to contamination by HPV. Even people who do not appear to have warts could be carrying the virus, and may be capable of spreading it.

1. Don't touch warts on others, or anywhere on your own body
2. Always wear sandals in public locker rooms or showers
3. Don't share socks, shoes, towels, or even razors with other people.
4. Wash hands frequently, and encourage kids to do so as well

And remember that if you have warts on your body, you should do your best to keep them covered and never pick at them.http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/warts-and-plantar-warts-prevention

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.