Contrary to popular rumors, you do not catch warts by handling toads. What causes warts, then? A wart is actually an infection, most commonly caused by a virus. Ugly and sometimes painful, a wart is the last thing you want to see when you look down at your hands or feet (the most common places to find warts) and the first step in learning how to prevent warts is understanding the viruses that are the causes of warts.
While they can be contagious, many people are fortunate enough to be impervious and may go their entire lives without developing a single wart. If you are not one of the fortunate ones, the common wart can become the bane of your existence. Keep reading to discover what causes warts and how you can avoid being afflicted with this common skin condition.
Caused by HPV
The virus that causes warts comes from the human papillomavirus, a member of the HPV family. Breakouts are generally not caused by sexual activity (genital warts are the exception), but by skin to skin contact with someone who has the virus. The HPV virus can be found on many surfaces we come into contact with on a daily basis, including phones, door knobs, or even computer keyboards. A scratch or cut on the skin that has come into contact with the virus is the easiest way for it to get into your system. Using the towel of someone with a wart can also increase your chance of developing it yourself; warts can be extremely contagious. While the hands and feet are the most common places for one to develop, nicks from shaving leave men’s faces and women’s legs open to the virus as well.
Children Are More Prone to Warts
Immature immune systems also increase the possibility of developing warts, which is one reason children are more likely to develop them than adults. Heredity may play a part in wart susceptibility as well. If your siblings get them, chances are you will as well. Finally, adults who developed warts as children can be prone to them once they are grown.
Prevention
Wearing flip flops in the gym, washing your hands frequently, and trying to keep your skin as free from cuts as possible can help diminish your chance of developing warts. Use sharp blades and plenty of care when shaving, and if you chew or pick at your fingernails, you might want to stop; this creates another place for the virus to enter your system.
Laser Lipo and Vein Center
If you have tried preventative methods with no relief, schedule a consultation with us and discover what we can do to help rid you of the warts marring your body. The Laser Lipo and Vein Center understands your frustrations and wants to help. Understanding what causes warts was only the first step; visit today to take the next step towards blemish-free skin!
