No matter who you are, one thing you share in common with everyone else is that you don’t want to get a wart, especially on your feet! They are contagious, unattractive, and can cause pain and discomfort. So you need to know how to stop plantar warts from growing back. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, shares some information about these embarrassing growths.
There are many myths and misconceptions about warts. The truth is that they come from a commonly occurring virus is known as the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Often this virus is found in damp, warm environments. It only requires a small opening to enter your body. Any small cut or scrape can allow the virus to enter the body, resulting in the development of a wart.
The good news is that these warts are not really dangerous, and they typically go away on their own in time. The bad news is that they can cause pain until they disappear, which may take up to a couple of years.
1. Protection. The best way to prevent warts is to protect your feet. Typically the virus is found in damp, warm environments, be sure to wear clean shower shoes or sandals when in gym locker rooms, indoor pool decks, and showering areas.
2. Don’t touch! Because HPV is contagious, you must not touch a wart with your bare skin, even if it’s your own! If you happen to do so accidentally, be sure to wash the contaminated area as quickly as possible with soap and warm water.
3. Don’t share. A third way to reduce your risk of getting a wart is not sharing items with anyone who has a wart, especially shaving equipment, socks, shoes, and towels. HPV can taint these items and then transfer to you.
These tips should provide you with an excellent starting point for wart prevention, and we can provide additional information. If you have a wart and would like to learn more about our new Swift method for treating them, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, to schedule an appointment. You can schedule an appointment today online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.
