Bursting Common Myths About Warts

No one wants to talk about the skin growths occurring on their bodies, especially warts. About one-third of the youth and 5% of the adult population experiences warts. They can create havoc on your hands, feet, neck, back, and more.

Warts are bumps that form on the skin, appearing as pink, white, or flesh-colored small growths. Most warts do not cause any pain or symptoms other than being unsightly. They can disappear on their own or with the help of a wart removal specialist.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about warts that are spreading fear among people. Let’s debunk the common myths regarding warts so that you can save your skin.

Frogs and Toads give you warts

This is not true! No, frogs or toads cannot give you warts. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 100 different subtypes of HPV exist some of which cause common warts whereas others may cause severe conditions like cervical cancer. Warts can spread from mucosa to mucosa, skin to the mucosa, and skin to skin.

You can’t remove warts

Of course, warts can be removed. Multiple treatments exist nowadays for the removal of warts such as cryotherapy, electrotherapy, injected therapies, and topical medications. There are many at-home-remedies that are quite helpful in the removal of warts like applying salicylic acid. Some people believe that they cannot be removed and give up on treating them.

Warts are not contagious

Warts can be pretty contagious. Wart Virus or HPV can enter through small cuts or abrasions in the skin. There is a latency of weeks to years after you get infected, so warts can appear all of a sudden. The wart virus can spread through indirect contact with contaminated objects like shed skin containing virus on gym equipment, shard floors, improper nail salon, and much more.

Once removed Warts can’t grow back

Surely, warts can grow back. The virus causing warts remain dormant for months or years in host skin cells and gets re-active. You need to get your warts to check from the dermatologist for accurate diagnosis as lesion can be either malignant or benign mimicking warts. HPV lives in your body survive in your DNA so it never leaves.

Warts can’t be prevented

Good skincare and skin hygiene practice under the guidance of dermatologist along with strong immunity can prevent new warts. Covering of abrasion and wounds as the virus enters many though these tiny incisions can prevent warts. Though it is possible to minimize the chances of getting warts, it is not always possible to prevent the occurrence of warts as the virus is ubiquitous. Most people do come in contact with the virus.

Conclusion

Warts are a common skin condition. You don’t have to avoid treating it as they can be easily removed with several procedures. If warts get more severe and discomforting, it is advised to visit your warts removals specialist and seek opinion.