Warts or Veruccas are growth on the skin caused by the Human
PapillomaVirus (HPV). Warts are found on the top surface of the skin. The HPV
virus enters the skin through some cut or wound and grows to form a wart, and
this can appear anywhere on the skin. These virus infected warts are flat and
appear grayish or white. It has a well defined outer boundary. They appear as
clusters when they spread.
Plantar warts:
When warts appear on the feet in places like the soles, heels or
toes they are called plantar warts. Since the leg bears the weight of the whole
body, the warts are pushed deep into the skin and become very painful. Warts
are supplied with blood through blood vessels, and these vessels appear as dark
dots in the center. Physical examination is enough for a doctor to ascertain
that the skin is infected by warts.
What is the reason to get a wart?
Wart is easily spread from person to person by coming in contact
with the Human Papilloma Virus. So what are the sources through which you come
in contact with the wart causing virus?
1.
When you use personal items of an
infected person, you are most likely to get warts.
2.
Also when you walk on wet grounds in
overcrowded places, there are chances of you getting infected with warts.
3.
Once you touch and scratch a wart in
your body, it spreads to other parts of your body also.
Note: Every person is not going to get a wart as soon as he comes
in contact with infected person. And also a wart may not be visible as soon as
it enters the skin. It may take some time to get it noticed by you.
Cause for concern: Warts spread to other body parts when the
patient scratches it. Even damp or damaged skin increases the chances of
infection.
How to prevent warts?
When it is plantar warts, some safety rules need to be followed.
1.
Avoid walking barefoot in crowded and
wet places like swimming pools and water parks.
2.
Use your own flip-flops when walking
up to the pool or in the shower areas.
3.
Avoid swimming pools when you have
cuts or wounds on your feet.
4.
Do not use other people’s items like
shaving blades, towels or socks.
5.
Wash hands with a good hand wash after
touching warts.
6.
Do not scratch warts.
What is the mode of treatment for
warts?
•
The common problem associated with
warts is the itching or skin irritation. You get medications and topical gels
to counter this problem.
•
There are medicated bandages which
contain salicylic acid, and this helps in removal of warts. But care is to be
taken that the salicylic acid doesn’t touch the healthy skin part.
•
If warts don't subside, it is better
to seek medical help. There are various other modes available like laser
treatment or surgical intervention when simple techniques do not work.
Safeguard yourself from the attack of warts by following these
prevention tips.
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