Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a very common virus. There are more than 100 types of HPV, many of which can cause warts. Common warts are harmless, but they can be painful and unsightly.
There is no cure for HPV, but it may be treated to remove warts. Some kinds of warts (like flat warts )will go away on their own, while others (like plantar warts and filiform warts) will remain and possibly spread to other sites on your body or individuals.
If you have viral warts, you can try over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid solution or silver duct tape or see a doctor for prescription treatments like cryotherapy or laser removal therapy in case you have facial warts or genital warts. With any type of treatment, it may take several weeks or longer for warts to go away with counter medicine treatment.
Warts: Causes, Cures, Treatments and Prevention
You probably already know that the idea of getting common types warts from a toad is nothing more than an old story. Many still have questions regarding these unsightly and sometimes painful growths appearing from nowhere.
Causes
Warts are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. HPV is a very common virus that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. There are more than 100 types of HPV, many of which can cause warts.
Most warts are harmless, but some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer or other cancers.
Warts are generally safe (not cancerous) but can be uncomfortable and unsightly. There is no cure for HPV, but there are some treatments for warts. Some warts will spontaneously disappear, while others will remain and spread to other areas of your body or people’s skin.
Cures
There is no cure for HPV. However, some treatment for warts can remove them. About cost of warts removal in Canada you can read from this article.
Treatments
If you have warts, you can try over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or duct tape or see a doctor for prescription treatments like cryotherapy or laser therapy. Any treatment may take several weeks or longer for warts to go away.
Prevention
Warts can be prevented by avoiding contact with the virus. You can also avoid getting warts by using barrier methods like condoms during sex and not sharing towels or other personal item with someone who has warts.
You can get HPV vaccines to help prevent infection with the types of HPV that most commonly cause warts. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls starting at 11 or 12. The vaccine is also recommended for people up to age 26 who have never been vaccinated or have certain risk factors, such as HIV-positive.
There are things you can do to lower your risk:
- Avoid contact with people who have warts
- Don’t share towels, razors, or other personal belongings with someone who has warts
- Use condoms during sex
- Get the HPV vaccine if you are 26 or younger (there are currently two types of HPV vaccines available)
How Do You Get Warts?
Most forms are transmitted by accidental skin contact or common objects such as towels or washcloths. The virus is usually spread through breaks in your skin, such as a hangnail or a scratch. Nail-biting can also lead to the spread of warts to the fingertips and around the nails.
Are Warts Contagious?
Yes, warts are contagious. The virus that causes warts (human papillomavirus or HPV) can be spread through direct contact with a wart or by contact with something that has been in contact with a wart, such as a towel, razor, or nail clippers.
Can I Spread Warts From One Part of My Body to Another?
Yes, you can spread warts from one part of your body to another. For example, if you have a hand wart, you can spread it to other body parts by touching them. Or, if you shave your legs and have a wart on your leg, you can spread the virus to your bikini area.
Why Do Some Warts Have Black Dots in Them?
Many skin warts contain many black dots that look like small seeds. These dots are visible blood vessels that supply the wart with nutrients and oxygen.
Can Warts Be Prevented?
Although skin warts cannot be prevented, there are several precautions you can take to minimize the risk of warts. One of the essential measures to prevent warts is to wash your hands regularly. Also, keep your skin healthy, moisturized and free of cuts. If you bite your nails or cuticles, try to stop it. Biting your nails creates an opportunity for the virus to enter your skin. Use clean and fresh towels at the gym or other public places, and always wear flip-flops or rubber-soled sandals in public changing rooms and showers.
Will Warts Go Away On Their Own?
Some warts go away without treatment. Others do not. Even warts that go away over time may disappear after a few months or years. Remember that any wart can become a “mother” wart that spreads to other body parts. Most dermatologists say it is best to treat warts at the doctor’s office as soon as they appear.
When Do You Need to See a Doctor About Warts?
Many dermatologists agree that it is okay to try over-the-counter wart remedies for common skin warts for a few months. If warts don’t disappear or worsen in that time, it may be worth seeing a doctor. Dermatologists have a variety of stronger wart treatment and removal methods that may work faster than commercially available remedies.
Also, remember that all warts can be “mother” warts that give rise to other warts on your skin. Therefore, the sooner you remove the wart, the less likely it is to spread.