What are they?

Although unsightly, warts are benign skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body, and its estimated that 80% of adults have had a wart at some point in their lives. Often first appearing between the ages of 12-16, many warts will disappear without treatment within 6 months. Although there are dozens of known types of warts, three of the most frequently seen are: common warts (verrucae vulgaris), plantar warts (verrucae plantaris) and flat warts (verrucae plana).

Common warts are usually found on the hands, near the nail bed, and are flesh colored or possibly even gray, with a slightly raised surface. Plantar warts are found on the feet, in areas that withstand pressure such as the heels or metatarsals (balls of the feet). Because they grow into the skin, rather than blossom out of the skin, plantar warts are flat, making them more challenging to treat. Flat warts can be found on the face or backs of the hands, and may be clustered together in small, bumpy groupings.

How do you get them?

Warts are very contagious. Humans contract them through contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can thrive in warm, moist environments such as gyms, saunas or whirlpools. The virus enters the skin through cuts or abrasions, and then will incubate from between 1 to 8 months before erupting into warts. Once infected, common or flat warts can easily be transferred to new areas of the body or other people via contact.

Product picks

Although warts may disappear without any treatment, many experts agree that one of the best ways to remove a wart is to trick the body into recognizing it as a foreign body, thereby triggering a natural healing process. According to Phyllis Balch, editor of A Prescription for Nutritional Healing, one very non-invasive, easy method is ‘tape occlusion’. Tape occlusion is a method of treating warts that involves nothing more than adhesive tape (such as duct tape) and time. Cover the offending wart tightly with a piece of tape, and change every 3-5 days, leaving the skin exposed to air for one day in between covering with tape. Repeat this process for up to two months until the wart disappears naturally.

If a more clinical option is desired, salicylic acid is also an effective treatment for warts and many over-the-counter formulations are available. For plantar warts, use Pedinol Sal-Plant Gel on a daily basis, for up to two weeks while common warts may be treated with Pedinol Hydrisalic Gel. If at-home options offer little relief, a doctor or dermatologist can perform more aggressive treatments, including liquid nitrogen or electric current.

Special considerations

If a wart is tender, bleeds easily or changes color dramatically, schedule an appointment to have it checked as the growth may not be a wart and could require immediate medical care. While plantar warts are not considered contagious, be aware of warts on the face or hands as these are highly contagious and can easily be transmitted to healthy sections of skin or other people. Shaving can also spread warts so men should be particularly careful when shaving in order to prevent reinfection at a new site on the skin.

See also:

Keratosis pilaris

Scalp Folliculitis