Warts are a common skin condition that can be unsightly and uncomfortable. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can occur on any part of the body.

While warts are generally harmless, they can be contagious and spread to other areas of the body or to other individuals. To help you avoid the inconvenience and potential embarrassment of warts, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do Practice Good Hygiene

One of the key ways to prevent warts is by maintaining good hygiene practices. This includes regularly washing your hands with soap and water, especially after touching warts or objects that may have come into contact with the virus.

Keeping your skin clean and dry can also help create an environment less conducive to the growth of warts.

To minimize the risk of contracting warts, it’s important not to share personal items such as towels, socks, shoes, or other clothing articles. Warts can spread through direct contact or by using shared items that have been contaminated with HPV.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid sharing these items whenever possible.

Do Protect Your Feet

Warts on the feet, known as plantar warts, are particularly common and can be painful due to the pressure of walking or standing. To protect your feet, always wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas.

Keeping your feet clean and dry, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas, can help reduce the risk of contracting plantar warts.

Don’t Scratch or Pick Warts

While it may be tempting to scratch or pick at warts, it’s important to resist this urge. Scratching or picking at warts can cause them to spread to other areas or even result in secondary infections.

Instead, it’s best to leave the warts alone and seek appropriate medical treatment if necessary.

Do Boost Your Immune System

A strong immune system can help fight off the HPV virus and reduce the risk of developing warts.

To boost your immune system, ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. Additionally, avoiding habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help support a healthy immune system.

Related Article 30 Tips for Avoiding Warts

Don’t Go Barefoot in Public Areas

As mentioned earlier, the human papillomavirus (HPV) can easily spread through direct contact, and walking barefoot in public areas increases the chances of exposure.

Make it a habit to wear shoes or flip-flops when using public showers, saunas, swimming pools, and other communal areas where the virus may be present.

Do Protect Your Hands

Warts are highly contagious, especially when they are actively growing or bleeding. To avoid spreading warts to other parts of your body or to other people, it is important to protect your hands.

You can achieve this by covering the warts with waterproof bandages or applying over-the-counter wart treatments, as this can help minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

Don’t Ignore Changes in Skin

Being proactive when it comes to your skin health can help you identify and address any abnormal growths before they develop into warts.

If you notice any changes in your skin, such as small, raised bumps or growths, it is important to have them examined by a healthcare professional. Early detection and treatment can prevent the further spread of warts.

Do Maintain Clean and Dry Environments

Warts thrive in warm, moist environments, so it’s important to keep your surroundings as clean and dry as possible. Ensure that communal areas such as bathrooms, showers, and gyms are regularly cleaned and disinfected.

Additionally, avoid sharing towels or personal items in these environments to reduce the risk of HPV transmission.

Don’t Rely Solely on Home Remedies

While there are various home remedies that claim to treat warts, it’s important not to solely rely on them. Many of these remedies lack scientific evidence and may not effectively eliminate the virus.

If you have warts that persist, become painful, or spread rapidly, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. They can provide proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

The Bottom Line

While warts can be bothersome, following these dos and don’ts can significantly reduce your risk of contracting and spreading them.

By practicing good hygiene, protecting your feet and hands, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can effectively minimize the chances of developing warts. Remember to seek medical advice if you have any concerns or if home treatments are ineffective.