Warts

Warts are caused by a virus, and the three types of warts that are most common are plantar warts, flat warts and common warts.  Children are more susceptible to this warts virus because their immune system is 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 there are under a lot of stress. 

It is extremely rare for a wart 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. You should do this before trying to find any solutions to a wart problem.

Never attempt to remove or treat a wart yourself by burning, cutting, tearing or picking.

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 warts virus.  Warts on the skin can be transmitted from person to person by direct physical contact.

• Keep the skin dry since warts like to live and grow on moist surfaces. Apply medicated foot powder in to the sock to keep the feet dry.


• Wear open-toe sandals or shoes that will allow the feet 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 and can be picked up very easily 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 friends or family.

The body's immune system, if strong enough, can fight off a wart.  This is why strengthening the immune system is important if you are prone to warts.

Strengthen your immune system by:

• Getting sufficient sleep - the body, depending on age, requires a minimum of eight hours of sleep.


• Water - drinking plenty of water helps to purify the body, as it helps flush the toxins out of the body.


• Proper nutrition - eating green vegetables such as, green beans, peas, or broccoli as well as foods high in protein. Avoid foods and drinks high in caffeine or processed sugars.


• For an adult who is prone to warts - eliminating alcohol and if you smoke, quitting smoking will greatly improve your body's immune system. Both alcohol and smoking can make you more susceptible to warts because your body is using up all its resources to fight off the effects of smoking and alcohol to the detriment of the immune system.

More Warts Information: