Warts are an unpleasant and unattractive skin condition, typically appearing as small blister-like growths on a person's hands or feet, although they can occur on other parts of the body as well. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common infection. HPV is a group of more than 150 viruses, some of which are sexually transmitted.
Skin-to-skin contact is the primary mode of transmission for warts and can appear in various body parts, including the genital areas of individuals with HPV.
Says Dr Jatin Mittal, Co-founder, Cosmetologist, and Skin Expert at Abhivrit Aesthetics in New Delhi, "Warts, moles, and skin tags are distinct skin conditions, each with unique characteristics and causes. Warts typically appear as small blisters or skin lesions that match the person's skin colour."
Transmission and risk factors
Apart from being a sexually transmitted infection, warts can also spread through skin contact, such as shaking hands, touching common surfaces like doorknobs or keyboards, or sharing shoes or towels. Individuals can get warts from others who have warts, as the virus is not contracted from other sources. If someone has a skin wart, it means they came in contact with a wart-causing virus at some point, even if it was months ago.
Factors that increase the risk of warts:
- Very sensitive, damaged, or wet skin
- Being sexually active
- Weakened immune system
- Prolonged stress
- Hormonal disorders
- Exposure to external factors like radiation, industrial city emissions, or a diet high in oily or junk food
- Rapid transmission of the wart virus in warm and humid environments like spas, saunas, swimming pools, gyms, or clubs.
To prevent skin warts, the following precautions are recommended:
- Avoid contact with the virus whenever possible.
- Wash hands thoroughly before touching anything.
- Do not share shoes or towels with others, and avoid using others' towels or shoes.
- Keep skin healthy and well-moisturized year-round to prevent dryness.
- Avoid biting fingernails and use a sharp razor when shaving to prevent cuts.
Dr Mittal suggests that some warts may not require medical treatment and may resolve on their own. However, if warts cause bleeding or pain, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist.
Treatment options for warts include:
- Chemical treatment: Warts can be removed using acids, alkalis, or medications containing salicylic acid. These treatments work by gradually removing layers of the wart.
- Laser wart removal: This method is unique and highly effective for fast wart removal with less pain and minimal scarring. A certified doctor can control the intensity of exposure, and recovery from the procedure is usually fast.
It's essential to seek medical advice before deciding on a treatment option for warts.
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