What are warts, how to prevent and treat them
Swimming pools, gyms and changing rooms are the main risk environments for HPV contraction
Warts are small skin bumps caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Although they are generally harmless, they can be a source of annoyance and embarrassment. Understanding warts, their causes and available treatments is the first step to getting rid of them effectively.
What are warts and how do they form?
HPV is an extremely common virus with over 100 different types, each of which can cause different skin manifestations. When HPV infects the outermost layer of skin, the cells begin to multiply abnormally, giving rise to the typical wart shape.
The main types of warts include:
- Common warts: They are the most common, characterized by a rough and hard surface, and are often found on hands and around nails
- Plantar warts: They develop on the soles of the feet, sometimes penetrating deep into the skin and causing pain when walking
- Flat warts: Smaller and smooth, they are common in children and adolescents, and often occur on the face, hands and forearms
- Filiform warts: Thin and elongated, often found on the face, neck and eyelids
Why are swimming pools an environment at risk?
Swimming pools, gyms and changing rooms are hot and humid environments that promote the proliferation of HPV. Walking barefoot in these places increases the risk of coming into contact with the virus through small lesions on the skin. In addition, the wet environment facilitates virus survival outside the human body.
How do warts get?
The transmission of HPV mainly occurs through direct contact with an existing wart or with infected skin cells that detach from the wart itself. Other factors that may promote transmission include:
- Sharing personal items: Towels, nail clippers, nail files and other objects can carry the virus
- Small skin lesions: Even small wounds or scratches can be a gateway for the virus
- Weakened immune system: People with a compromised immune system may be more susceptible to HPV infections
Prevention of warts
Although it is difficult to prevent HPV infection completely, some precautions can reduce the risk:
- Personal hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching public surfaces
- Avoid direct contact: Do not share personal items and avoid touching other people’s warts
- Protect your feet: Always wear slippers in public places such as swimming pools, gyms and showers
- Strengthens the immune system: A healthy diet, good rest and exercise can help to strengthen the immune system
Treatment of warts
There are several treatment options for warts, the best choice depends on the type of wart, its location and the patient’s preferences. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Over-the-counter drugs: Salicylic acid products can help remove surface layers of the wart
- Cryotherapy: Freezing of the wart with liquid nitrogen
- Laser therapy: Using a laser to destroy the wart tissue
- Other treatments: electrocoagulation, surgical treatment, immunotherapy
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