Everything You Need to Know About Common Warts   

Typical Appearance and Key Signs

Warts usually start without any symptoms, and you might not even notice them at first. They form slowly as the virus penetrates the top layer of your skin, and it can take a few weeks or even months before they appear on the skin. By the time you notice a wart, it has likely been growing under the surface for some time. You might then notice one or more small growths on your skin.

Depending on the type, warts can look a little different. However, some common wart symptoms to watch for include the following:

1. Shape and texture

They can be flat, round, rough, smooth or even have a cauliflower-like surface. Some warts stick out like little threads.

2. Colour

Certain warts might be the same colour as your skin, while others may show up in shades of white, yellow, brown, black, pink or grey.

3. Black dots

Some warts have tiny dark spots on them. These are clotted blood vessels and are sometimes called wart seeds.

While some people get just one wart, others may develop a few or even clusters of them.

When Medical Attention May be Needed

It is important to consult a doctor if:

• The wart becomes painful or changes in colour

• It spreads, doesn’t respond to treatment or keeps coming back

• The growths start to hurt, itch, burn or bleed

• You have a weakened immune system

• You are unsure if it is a wart or something more serious

If you need to consult a doctor, you should do so with immediacy. Remember to buy health insurance to be able to get the necessary medical care when required without the worry of high medical costs.

How it Develops and Spreads?

Here’s how the virus spreads:

1. Through skin-to-skin contact

The virus can spread by touching someone who has warts.

2. Through broken skin

Small cuts, scrapes or hangnails make it easier for the virus to enter the skin.

3. Nail biting or picking

Biting your nails or the skin around them can spread warts to the fingers and nails.

Factors that Increase Susceptibility

The factors that increase your susceptibility to developing warts include:

1. Weakened immune system

If you have a weakened immune system, maybe because of an illness or certain medications, you are more likely to get warts after.

2. Broken or damaged skin

Small cuts, scrapes, or hangnails make it easier for the virus to get into the skin.

3. Age

Kids and teens get warts more often because their immune systems may not be fully developed yet.

4. Direct contact

Touching a wart on yourself or someone else can spread the virus.

5. Nail biting or skin picking

These habits can create small openings in your skin, through which the virus can sneak in.

Prevention Strategies

Here are some tips to help prevent warts:

1. Don’t touch or pick at warts

This includes your own, as it can spread the virus to other parts of your body.

2. Use separate grooming tools

Don’t use the same nail clippers or pumice stone on both healthy skin and warts. You must use disposable tools if possible.

3. Avoid biting your nails or picking hangnails

This can create small openings in the skin where the virus can enter.

4. Be careful while grooming

Try not to shave, clip or brush over areas that have warts.

5. Avoid sharing warm, damp places

Don’t share hot tubs, showers, bathtubs, towels or washcloths.

6. Keep your hands moisturised

This helps prevent dry or cracked skin, making it harder for the virus to get in.

Considerations for Managing Recurrence

To keep warts from coming back, it is important to stay mindful of your daily habits and overall health. Here are some tips:

1. Keep an eye on your skin

Watch for any new warts or signs that old ones are coming back. Treating them early can stop them from spreading.

2. Get the HPV vaccine

If you are under 26, the vaccine can help protect you.

3. Don’t share personal items

Avoid sharing things like towels, razors or shoes. Always wear flip-flops in public showers or locker rooms.

Skin Health and Hygiene Best Practices

Taking care of your skin and keeping good hygiene can help prevent warts and stop them from spreading. Here are some simple tips:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching a wart.

• Keep your skin moisturised to help prevent cracks or dryness that can let the virus in.

• Cover any cuts or wounds with a clean bandage to keep the virus from entering the skin.

• Avoid touching, scratching or picking at warts to prevent spreading the virus.

• Sharing items like towels or razors can spread the virus, so it is best to use your own.

• To avoid picking up the virus, don’t go barefoot in places like public showers, pools or locker rooms.