Are Warts Dangerous?
There are very few skin conditions that make people as uncomfortable as warts. There are a lot of misconceptions about them. So what’s the truth? Are they dangerous?
In a word, no. They are not dangerous, but they are extremely contagious. These are growths that appear on the skin as a result of HPV, the human papilloma virus. There are over 100 different HPV strains, and many of them can cause warts.
The majority of warts are benign, but they are so contagious that they can be transmitted via direct or indirect contact. They can clear up on their own. It just takes them some time to do so. For this reason, many people opt to have them removed. This is especially important if they are in a place where they are visible, if they are causing pain, and as a way of avoiding passing or transmitting them on to other people.
Warts can appear anywhere on the body. The most common form is a flesh-colored or grayish bump that has little, black specks. You might see them on your hands or on your fingers. It’s more common for children to get ones of this sort, and they usually go away as a child progresses into their adolescent years. Flat warts can be found on the face, legs, or hands. They are small, smooth, and usually cluster together.
One of the more common forms that people can get are plantar warts. These are ones that appear on your feet. You’ll usually find them on the soles of your feet or on the heel. They can be very painful, especially because of the pressure that is put on them by your body weight when you walk.
Genital warts are often considered to be a more serious form of the condition. This is not because they are more dangerous in and of themselves, but instead because of the emotional and social impact having these types of warts can bring about. This type is transmitted through sexual intercourse and will start to appear one month to two years after the initial sexual contact.
There are various treatments for warts. The type being removed will dictate the treatment that is used. It is good to remember that the virus that causes the condition remains in your system. If your immune system cannot fight against the virus, it is likely that the blemishes will reappear.
Warts are usually not dangerous; they are not life-threatening. They are frustrating to have, and they can cause some discomfort. However, with safe, time-tested treatments, most of them can be removed or prevented. For more information, schedule a consultation at Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks. Contact us today to book your appointment.
