Warts
Warts are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus
(HPV), which stimulates the rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of your
skin. Warts can appear on any part of your body, but occur most often the hands
and feet. The two most common types of warts are common warts and plantar
warts. A common wart will appear as a skin growth usually on the hand. Plantar
warts tend to occur on the soles of the feet and appear to be covered in tiny
black dots. These black dots are clotted blood vessels. Common and plantar
warts aren't typically a health concern, and may even disappear on their own. However. They are unsightly and treatment may be needed to
remove them.
People
contract warts through direct contact with an infected person or surface, such
as a shower floor. Usually, warts spread through breaks in your skin. Warts can
spread if you bite your fingernails or if you have excessively moist feet.
To
reduce the risk that of spreading or contracting warts:
·
Avoid brushing,
clipping, combing or shaving over areas where there are warts in order to avoid
spreading the virus.
·
Don't walk
barefoot in public areas, such as pools and locker rooms. Wear shoes or sandals
in these public places to avoid coming into contact with the virus.
·
Avoid using the
same file or nail clipper on warts as you use on healthy nails.
·
Avoid biting
your fingernails if you have warts near your fingernails.
·
Don't pick at
warts. Picking may spread the virus. Consider covering your child's warts with
an adhesive bandage to discourage picking.
Information on this site is
provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the
advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should
not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health
problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
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disease.