Warts: how to fight them and never make them come back

Caused by a viral infection, warts prefer feet and hands and are prone to recurrence. But eliminating them is possible.

Vulgar warts are small skin growths caused by a virus of the HPV strain (Human Papilloma Virus), from which you can be infected by direct contact.

They have irregular edges, grayish color and can be painful, especially if subjected to pressure, as happens when the plantar area is affected.

How does the infection occur?

“Contagion can occur by contact between people, especially if the skin is not intact or if you move in a contaminated environment,” explains dermatologist Silvia Gobbi.

To proliferate, the virus needs moisture and heat, which is why it is extremely easy for it to develop in gyms, showers, swimming pools, public toilets. “Moisture makes the skin more fragile, making it easier for the virus to penetrate. It is therefore essential not to walk barefoot in public environments, even if prolonged contact is necessary to be infected”, explains the dermatologist.

What treatments to undertake?

“There are numerous drug treatments that can be done at home. These are prolonged therapies and constancy in care is fundamental. Children benefit the most and solve the problem more often, representing the category at greatest risk of contagion,” explains the specialist.

And he adds: “In adults, cryotherapy is more indicated, that is, the “burning” of the wart with liquid nitrogen, an outpatient intervention that must be performed by a dermatologist If the wart has been present for a long time or if it is rather thick, a single treatment may not be enough. That is why it is preferable to start a drug therapy as soon as the wart appears.”

In the most resistant cases or relapses it is advisable to administer food supplements, for example based on Echinacea, able to stimulate and increase the skin’s immune defenses.

Is it possible to prevent the appearance of warts?

“A good rule is to always protect any small wounds that, in case of contact, can carry infections, including the one that causes the appearance of warts,” advises Silvia Gobbi.

“A healthy and intact skin is certainly less attackable: it is good, therefore, to always keep it hydrated and protected by using a good barrier cream. The indication applies especially to people who, for professional reasons, must be in contact with water for a long time or wear rubber or latex gloves”, concludes the specialist.

It is important, then, to follow elementary hygiene rules, generally avoiding sharing towels, bathrobes, slippers and nail care tools. If warts are already present, advice becomes imperative.