Hand and foot warts

Hand and foot warts

Hand and foot warts are hard, callous-like benign growths which have a ‘cauliflower’ appearance. They are usually between 3 and 6 mm in size. Foot warts (plantar warts) are warts which develop on the ball of the foot and on the bottom of the heel or toes.

 

Foot warts are usually flatter than hand warts because they become part of the calluses on the foot as a result of pressure on the sole. Adults and children can develop hand and foot warts. Hand and foot warts are caused by the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). This virus stimulates rapid division of cells on the top layer of skin. This division is quicker than the division of cells on the rest of the skin. This causes a wart. Hand and foot warts do not develop straight away. It usually takes three to six months for a wart to develop after contact with the virus.

 

Are hand and foot warts contagious?

Warts on hand and feet are contagious. The Human Papilloma virus (HPV) spreads through skin-to-skin contact and contact with damp floors like pools, gyms, showers and changing rooms. This is the reason that they commonly occur on hands and on the soles of feet. Good hygiene is essential to prevent warts. Scratching and picking hand and foot warts can lead to the virus spreading further along the body and increase the risk of you infecting others. This is the reason why it is important to treat warts quickly. You can treat hand and foot warts easily using HeltiQ Wart Freezer. Although most of us come into contact with the virus during our lives, not everyone will develop warts. People with lower resistance are more likely to be affected by the virus. They are therefore more likely to develop hand and foot warts. 

 

Are warts contagious?

Warts are contagious as they are the result of a virus infection. They develop following skin contact with the virus. It takes between three and six months for a wart to develop after contact with the virus. Not all virus infections lead to the development of warts. Many people are infected with the virus but do not develop any warts. Some warts are more infectious than others.

How can I prevent warts?

The best way to avoid warts is to observe good hygiene. The tips listed below will help you prevent warts.

Preventing warts

  • Do not pick or scratch warts
  • Do not share towels


Preventing foot warts

  • Wear shoes with proper ventilation
  • Wear clean, cotton socks every day to prevent sweating
  • Wash feet daily with just water or a little bit of soap
  • Dry feet thoroughly. Also dry between your toes
  • Wear different shoes every day so that the unworn ones can dry out
  • Wear flip-flops in communal areas like saunas, pools and showers
  • Wear trainers in the gym and in training areas