Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While generally harmless, warts can be unsightly and, in some cases, mildly uncomfortable. Understanding how warts develop, the different types, and preventive measures can help on how do you get warts.

How Do You Get Warts?

Warts are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through contact with objects that have come into contact with the virus. The ways in which warts are typically contracted include:

Person-to-Person Contact:

The primary mode of transmission is direct skin contact with a person who has warts. This can occur through activities like handshakes, hugs, or other forms of physical contact.

Touching Contaminated Objects:

The virus responsible for warts can survive on surfaces such as towels, razors, or other personal items. If you come into contact with an object that has the virus, you may develop warts in the affected area after the virus enters a break in the skin.

Walking Barefoot in Public Areas:

Certain types of HPV that cause plantar warts (warts on the soles of the feet) thrive in warm and moist environments, making public places like swimming pools, gym showers, and locker rooms potential sources of infection.

Scratching or Biting Warts:

Warts contain the HPV virus, and if you scratch or bite a wart, you may spread the virus to other areas of your skin, leading to the development of new warts.

Types of Warts:

There are several types of warts, each named based on their appearance and location on the body. The most common types include:

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris):

These typically appear on the hands and fingers and have a rough, grainy appearance. Common warts may have black dots (clotted blood vessels) that resemble seeds.

Plantar Warts:

Found on the soles of the feet, plantar warts can cause discomfort, especially when walking. They often appear as hard, thickened skin with small black dots.

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana):

These warts are small, smooth, and flat-topped, often appearing in clusters on the face, neck, hands, or knees.

Filiform Warts:

Filiform warts have a thread-like or finger-like appearance and are often found on the face, especially around the eyes, mouth, and nose.

Genital Warts:

A sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of HPV, genital warts affect the genital and anal areas. They can appear as small growths or clusters with a cauliflower-like appearance.

Preventing Warts:

While it may be challenging to completely avoid exposure to the HPV virus, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing warts:

Practice Good Hygiene:

Regular handwashing can help minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Avoid touching warts, and if you have one, keep it covered to prevent contact with others.

Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Areas:

Wear flip-flops or protective footwear in communal areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, and showers to reduce the risk of picking up the virus that causes plantar warts.

Don't Share Personal Items:

Avoid sharing towels, razors, or other personal items with individuals who have warts. This can help prevent the transfer of the virus.

Keep Skin Healthy:

Cuts, scratches, and other breaks in the skin provide entry points for the virus. Keep your skin healthy and moisturized to reduce the risk of infection.

Practice Safe Sex:

Using condoms can reduce the risk of contracting genital warts, a sexually transmitted form of the HPV virus.

Treatment Options:

While many warts disappear on their own, some may persist and require treatment. Common treatment options include:

Topical Treatments:

Over-the-counter or prescription-strength topical treatments containing salicylic acid may help dissolve warts over time.

Cryotherapy:

This involves freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after a few days or weeks.

Electrosurgery:

In more stubborn cases, electrosurgery may be used to remove warts by burning or cutting them off.

Laser Treatment:

Laser therapy can be used to destroy blood vessels feeding the wart, causing it to shrink and eventually disappear.

Prescription Medications:

In certain cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications or recommend immunotherapy to boost the body's immune response against the virus.

In conclusion, understanding how warts develop and spread is crucial for prevention and effective management. While warts can be a nuisance, most cases are harmless and can be treated with over-the-counter remedies or medical intervention if needed. If you have concerns about warts or their treatment, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.