Never touch a wart that is on someone else. Do not pick, shave or touch a wart that you have (or someone else’s).

Warts are usually caused by a virus infection. HPVs are responsible for warts. They can spread from one person to another or be acquired by contact with a contaminated area.

HPVs come in over 100 different types. They can either affect the skin or mucous tissues, depending on their virus type. HPV types that infect the skin can lead to common skin warts.

HPVs are gaining attention because of their role in the development and progression of cancers of the cervix, genital area, and anal region. These carcinogenic effects are caused by specific “high-risk” HPV types that infect mucosal tissues that line the genital region. HPVs with “high risk” have been linked to a subset of head and neck cancers in the tonsil area.

There are “low-risk” HPV types that can cause benign lesions, like genital warts. These HPV types can cause warts on different parts of the body. Some HPV types can cause benign growths or papillomas on the vocal cords.

A person’s cancer risk does not increase when they have an infection of the HPV type that cause benign warts on their skin. The types of viruses that cause skin warts do not cause cancer.

Warts are spread through direct contact with infected people or indirectly by contaminated surfaces, such as towels, bathing facilities, or clothing. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location and time of an HPV infection since warts usually appear a few weeks or months after infection.

HPV can also be transmitted to other people without any visible warts. Warts on one part of the body may spread to other parts.

It is almost impossible to prevent HPV infection, but good hygiene can reduce the risk of skin warts.

• Never touch a wart that is on someone else.
• Do not touch, shave or pick a wart (on yourself or anyone else).
• Always wear sandals or shoes in the public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas.
• If you know someone in your family who has warts, make sure to thoroughly clean the bathing area.
• Do not share towels with someone who has warts. The person with warts shouldn’t use the towel more than once. Between uses, wash the towels.

Warts can often disappear by themselves within a year to two, due to the immune system. Treatment can also help remove warts faster. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best options. Warts can be removed using topical solutions that contain salicylic acids, liquid nitrogen freezing, or duct tape patches.

Natural Treatments for HPV