Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The three types of warts that are most common are plantar warts, flat warts and common warts. Children are more susceptible to the virus because their immune systems are not fully developed and the areas on their body are more prone to minor injury so often there is a break in the skin that makes it easy for the virus to enter. People also tend to get warts when they are under a lot of stress and the immune systen is weak.
It is extremely rare for warts to become malignant but you should always be aware of the possibility of skin cancer. Seek medical advice if the wart or surrounding skin is: painful; red; bleeding; swollen; or oozing pus.
Never attempt to remove or treat a wart yourself by burning, cutting, tearing or picking. A large number of people read about the potential of removing warts using the duct tape method. However this method can cause long term damage to the skin surrounding the wart, create scarring and intense bleeding (not to mention pain). We recommend natural wart removal products in order to gently address warts.
Educate your children to wash their hands and skin regularly and well, while avoiding direct skin contact with a wart on someone else. If your child cuts or scratches his skin, be careful to use soap and water to thoroughly clean the area because open wounds are more susceptible to the wart virus. Warts on the skin can be transmitted by person to person contact.
- Keep the skin dry since warts thrive on moist surfaces.
- Wear open-toe sandals or shoes that will allow the feet to perspire.
- Always wear shoes, sandals or thongs when walking in a public place, like a gym, swimming pools, locker rooms or beach areas. Plantar warts are especially contagious while walking barefoot in wet areas
- Try not to touch the wart with your hands since warts spread easily by contact.
- Encourage your child not to share towels, wash cloths or socks and shoes with others.
A strong immune system will assist in fighting the wart virus so strengthening the immune system is important if you are prone to warts.
- Get sufficient sleep.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush the toxins out of the body.
- Proper nutrition - eat fresh fruits and vegetables and foods high in protein.
- For an adult who is prone to warts - eliminating alcohol and smoking will greatly improve your body's immune system.
More Warts Information:
Causes of Warts
More on Warts including Symptoms:
Warts and Cryotherapy
Plantar Warts vs. Corns
Warts vs. Acne
Flat Warts vs. Common Warts
Warts & Children:
Warts and Children
See also Skin Tags, Moles