How To Stop Warts Spreading

There are various types of warts. These warts can be found on different areas of the body. Warts that are found on the feet are called plantar warts. Warts on the fingers, hands and knees are known as common warts. The smooth flat warts that usually affect the face and neck are called flat warts. Genital warts are obviously found in the genital areas of both men and women. Regardless of the type of warts you have, they are all caused by the same virus.

Human papillomavirus or HPV is responsible for the development of all types of warts. You may associate HPV with genital warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated that approximately 80% of the population has the type of HPV that can cause genital warts. However, since HPV has over 100 different strains and is responsible for all kinds of warts, it is safe to say that almost 100% of the population will have some form of this virus in their lifetime.

Warts are very contagious. You can get warts from touching another individual who has warts or even by touching an object that an infected individual has touched. There is no cure for the virus that causes warts. Your immune system is the only thing that can get rid of a virus. Immune systems that are hampered by chronic illnesses, medications or poor lifestyle choices will not be able to eradicate HPV.

If you have warts, it is critical that you know what to do to prevent spreading them to others. You must also know how to prevent spreading warts to other parts of your body. If you don’t have warts, it is important that you know what to do to keep from getting them.

How to Keep Warts From Spreading to Other Areas of Your Body

  1. Never shave, brush, clip or comb over areas that have warts. This will spread the virus to other parts of your body.
  2. Don’t try to clip away warts with the same nail clippers you use on healthy nails.
  3. If you have warts around your fingernails, never bite your nails.
  4. Never pick at your warts. This could spread the virus to other parts of the body.
  5. Keep your hands and feet dry at all times. Warts flourish in a warm moist environment.
  6. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your warts.

How to Protect Yourself From Warts

  1. Never share towels or personal grooming items with others.
  2. Always wear footwear in public areas. Swimming pools, locker rooms and public showers are the most likely places to come into contact with HPV.
  3. Always use a condom during sex. This will not protect you 100% from genital warts, but it can reduce your risks.
  4. Do not touch other people’s warts with your bare hands. If you must apply a medicine to someone else’s warts, make sure you wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after treatment.
  5. Use hand sanitizer or hand wipes when out in public. Wipe down the handles of shopping carts with hand wipes. Always wash your hands after using a public bathroom. Use a seat cover protector in the bathroom if they are provided.
  6. Stay healthy by eating right, exercising and getting plenty of sleep. Try to avoid things that can deplete the immune system. Smoking, stress and being obese can wreck havoc on your body and diminish your immune system.

It is critical that you use these tips to prevent spreading warts to yourself and to others. Remember, although you can remove warts, there is no cure for this virus. It is best to avoid getting it in the first place.