Warts

Warts are skin growths that are caused by a virus. They can appear anywhere on the body. Warts are not dangerous, but can be bothersome.

Little is known about warts. Most types are only slightly contagious. They can spread to other areas on the same person but rarely to other people. Genital and anal warts are an exception; they are easily transmitted through sexual contact and may increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet. Most of the wart lies under the skin surface, and may make you feel like you are walking on a pebble.

Because warts seem to come and go for little reason, it's possible they are sensitive to slight changes in the immune system. Although there is no scientific explanation why it works, in some cases, you can "think' them away.

When necessary, your doctor can remove warts. Unfortunately, they often come back.

Home Treatment

• Warts appear and disappear spontaneously. They can last a week, a month, or even years. To get rid of your warts, it helps to believe in the treatment. If something works for you, stick with it.

* If the wart bleeds a little, cover it with a bandage and apply light pressure to stop the bleeding.

If the wart is in the way, use a pumice stone or an over the counter salicylic acid ointment. This drug can be irritating in high concentrations; you may need to use a milder form for a longer period of time. Do not use salicylic acid if you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

If you use a pumice stone, both the debris from the wart and the area of the pumice stone that touched the wart can be infectious. Do not handle this material. Discard both the wart debris and pumice stone promptly.

For plantar warts, apply a donutshaped pad to cushion the wart and relieve pain. Apply salicylic acid solution to the wart at night, and rub the whitened skin off in the morning.

Try the least expensive method of treating warts. You may save a trip to your doctor.

Don't cut or bum off a wart

When to Call a Health Professional

If a wart looks infected after being irritated or knocked off.

If a plantar wart is painful when you walk and foam pads do not help,

If you have warts in the anal or genital area. See page 200.

If the wart causes continual discomfort,

If a wart develops on the face and is a cosmetic concern.