Know about warts- Reasons and prevention tips

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.