warts

How to Treat Warts
healthy living

Know the Facts to Ward Off Warts

People have many misconceptions about warts that go far beyond the whole "kiss a toad" thing.
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People have many misconceptions about warts that go far beyond the whole "kiss a toad" thing. Even if you understand that the toad caveat is a myth, some other facts and fictions about warts may surprise you.

Most types of warts are relatively painless and harmless, with the exception of genital warts, which are a sexually transmitted disease (read more about genital warts here). All warts (yes, even the genital kind) are caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are more than 100 types.

So-called common warts are most often found on the hands, while flat warts can surface on the face or backs of hands. A bit more painful and uncomfortable, plantar warts are warts found on the soles of your feet.

So what's the deal with all sorts of warts?

Wart information, removal tips
Skin Care

Welcome to the Wacky World of Warts

Hope you've finished your breakfast by now, because it's time for some good old-fashioned gross-out fun.
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Hope you've finished your breakfast by now, because it's time for some good old-fashioned gross-out fun. Beauty magazines rarely talk about embarrassing or awkward problems, but let's face it, we all have them from time to time. So today, I thought I'd talk about warts. Those little devils often pop up on the feet and hands, essentially nullifying any sort of grooming you've already done.

Warts usually look like a small white raised bump (like a bit of cauliflower) and they may or may not have a black or red dot in the middle. They're caused by the human papilloma virus—yep, the same virus that causes genital warts. They're spread from skin-to-skin contact, so if your best friend has a wart, it's best not to caress it unless you'd like a matching one for yourself. Additionally, if you get pedicures in salon, take a cue from celebrity podiatrist Dr. Carolyn Siegal and use a liner in the foot-soaking tub, since they can potentially transmit plantar warts to the foot.

To find out how to clear them up, read more

Don't Touch That Wart
warts

Don't Touch That Wart

No - you can't get warts from touching toads, but I just read that warts can be passed from one person to another.
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No - you can't get warts from touching toads, but I just read that warts can be passed from one person to another.

Warts are caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV), and there are more than 100 types. Warts can grow on all parts of your body (and I mean ALL). Some viruses can cause warts to grow on your hands or feet, while others can cause warts to grow on your genitals and rectal area (not fun).

Some people are naturally resistant to the HPV virus and never get warts, while others seem to get warts more often than the snow falls in winter.

Warts should be treated because it'll decrease your chance of spreading more warts to the rest of your body (and to other people). Plus, warts can be painful if they're in an area where they get bumped a lot. They can also be a little embarrassing, like if they're on your face.

Warts will often go away on their own, but it may take several months or years even. If they get to be too annoying, you can get an over-the-counter treatment (these should NOT be used for genital warts). Or you can go see a dermatologist to have them removed.

There are a few choices in how to treat warts. Want to hear about them? Then read more