Warts can be a frustrating and embarrassing skin condition to deal with. While there are many different treatment options available, some people may find that their warts are more stubborn than others.

If you’re struggling to get rid of warts, you may want to consider how your alcohol consumption could be impacting your skin.

What Are Warts?

Before we dive into the connection between alcohol and warts, let’s talk about what warts actually are. Warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.

While warts can appear anywhere on the body, they most commonly appear on the hands and feet. They can be rough, raised, and have a somewhat bumpy or cauliflower-like texture.

Warts can also be different colors, ranging from flesh-tone to dark brown or black.

How Are Warts Treated?

There are many different treatment options available for warts. Some people may find that over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or duct tape are effective at getting rid of their warts.

Others may require more intensive treatments like cryotherapy (freezing the wart off) or laser therapy. In some cases, warts may even require surgery to fully remove them.

What Is the Connection between Alcohol and Warts?

Now, let’s get to the question on everyone’s mind: does alcohol consumption actually impact warts?.

While research is somewhat limited on the topic, there does seem to be a connection between alcohol consumption and the prevalence of warts.

A 2013 study published in the journal Dermatology Research and Practice looked at the relationship between alcohol consumption and HPV infection.

The study found that individuals who consumed alcohol regularly had a higher likelihood of being infected with HPV than those who did not consume alcohol.

While the study did not specifically examine the link between alcohol consumption and the development of warts, this finding does suggest that alcohol could be impacting the skin’s ability to fight off HPV infections.

Why Does Alcohol Impact Warts?

So, why might alcohol consumption lead to a higher likelihood of developing warts?.

One possibility is that alcohol weakens the immune system. Regular alcohol consumption can impair the body’s ability to fight off infections and viruses, which could make it easier for HPV (the virus that causes warts) to take hold.

Additionally, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it causes the body to lose water and become dehydrated. This can impact the skin’s overall health and leave it more vulnerable to infection.

Should You Quit Drinking If You Have Warts?

If you’re dealing with stubborn warts, the thought of giving up alcohol may be daunting. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cutting back on alcohol consumption could have benefits beyond just improving your skin.

Regular alcohol consumption has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including liver damage, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Reducing your alcohol intake could lead to improvements in your overall health and wellbeing.

Of course, if you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, quitting alcohol may be a more difficult task. If this is the case, it’s important to seek out support and resources to help you overcome your addiction.

Other Tips for Managing Warts

In addition to considering the impact of alcohol on your skin, there are a few other tips that may help you manage your warts.

Keep the affected area clean and dry. This can help prevent the spread of the virus and make it easier for treatments to work.
Avoid picking at warts. This can cause them to spread, and could even lead to scarring.
Try over-the-counter treatments. While they may not work for everyone, many people find success with salicylic acid, duct tape, or other at-home remedies.
See a dermatologist. If your warts are stubborn or causing you a lot of distress, a dermatologist can help come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.

The Bottom Line

While the link between alcohol and warts is not yet fully understood, there is evidence to suggest that regular alcohol consumption could make it more difficult for the body to fight off HPV infections.

If you’re dealing with stubborn warts, cutting back on alcohol intake may be worth considering.