Monday, April 12, 2010

Bothersome Warts




At this time of year, your children will soon be heading off to the local pool or beach for a refreshing swim to escape the summer heat. Unfortunately, environments such as the community pool or beach, can harbor a host of various germs and bugs. One of which can cause warts to form on both children and adults alike.
Warts are the most common infection of the skin caused by a virus. This virus, known as human papilloma virus (HPV), can invade the underside of the foot by direct contact creating plantar warts. Two main things may make a person more or less susceptible to plantar warts. These include being more genetically predisposed and/or the environment (i.e. walking barefoot in public areas or showers).
Warts often hurt and feel like a bump on the underside of the foot. This and the less than favorable appearance of the wart will often encourage patients to seek treatment. After failure of over the counter self-treatments, professional treatment options include burning the wart off with an acid (such as salicylic acid), freezing the warts (cryotherapy) and/or laser treatment. However, the best treatment for warts is prevention: This includes the avoidance of walking barefoot in public areas, keeping the feet clean and dry, changing socks daily and periodic checks of you and your child's feet (summer months especially).

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