Double, Double Toil and Trouble- Wart Edition.
Another Foot Myth Dispelled.
We all love a good myth. One of my favorites growing up was that toads will give you warts! But the truth is there is no amphibian on earth that can give you warts. This myth has been around for a long time and is probably related to the fact that many frogs and toads have “warty” looking bumps on their skin. These are actually glands and do not secrete anything that can cause you to have warts. Warts are simply caused by viruses.
What are warts anyway?
Warts are common skin growths. They are not cancer. However, sometimes a biopsy is needed to rule out other similar looking more serious lesions. This can be done in the office after you are numbed. Warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can spread to other parts of the body and to other people by contact. There are more than 150 types of papillomavirus, and many kinds of warts. A wart on your foot is called a plantar wart. (Plantar is the bottom surface of your foot.) When they form in clusters, these warts are called mosaic warts.
Who is at risk for warts?
Warts are can happen at any age, most often the young. However, you are more at risk for warts if you have either of these:
Close contact with someone who has warts.
A weakened immune system.
What are the symptoms of warts?
Symptoms often depend on the type of warts. And the symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. Of most concern with plantar warts is pain when you stand or walk.
How are warts treated?
Some treatment methods may cause severe pain and burning in the area treated. However, we use a treatment that is pain free and can get rid of the wart much faster than other types treatments. We have an excellent success rate with our simple treatment method that is performed right in our office.
What can I do to prevent warts?
Use caution if you have warts- Warts can spread to other parts of the body. And they can spread to other people. They can be spread by skin to skin contact. The virus may be spread by towels or other personal items. You can help prevent warts from spreading by:
Not letting the warts contact other parts of your body.
Not letting the warts touch other people’s skin.
Not sharing personal items.
Wearing socks or slippers at all times.
Do not pick at or cut/scrape the wart on your own.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
All warts that bleed, are large in size, or cause pain should be examined by a healthcare professional. Warts should not grow too quickly or cause problems with normal activities. Also, use over the counter (OTC) treatments with caution.
Bottom line don’t blame toads or frogs for you warts. And remember, at our office we can treat you virtually pain free and have you wart free in just a few appointments.