Summer is coming. Time for vacation, beach, and warts! You don’t want the last one to ruin your fun summer, so make sure you do not get warts or have them under your control.
Warts on the feet are commonly spread during the hot summer months because people usually do not wear shoes or socks and go barefoot. Always walking on wet floor, especially in pools and showers, spread warts as well. Warts can also appear on hands and knees.
“Warts are typically small skin growths on a person's hands, feet or other body parts caused by viruses, particularly one of several kinds of HPV (human papillomavirus). They are usually harmless, but common warts are actually an infection in the skin’s top layer,” says Dr. Olga Reyes Roque, resident doctor of YSA Skin and Body Experts.
Warts are easily spread by direct contact with an HPV, such as when you touch the wart and then touch another part of your body or another person’s skin. Warts are also spread by sharing objects used by someone with warts like towels or razors.
To prevent warts, Dr. Roque recommends avoiding contact with warts (including your own), leaving warts alone because picking at them will spread the virus, and maintaining good hygiene including using and not sharing personal items. Frequent and proper hand washing also helps.
When you do get warts, do not try to remove them at home.
“Some think it’s easy to remove warts, but some methods may be harmful to the skin. Home remedies can backfire and cause more damage. It’s best to consult a professional,” says YSA Operations Director Sheila Nazal.
In YSA, warts are removed by Electrocautery or burning of the wart with a thin needle-like tool with a hot tip. It’s painless and gives instant results. Warts are gone in 45 minutes.
“I went there with warts on my feet and tried the procedure. The doctors are very helpful and assuring because I was scared of electrocautery. I was surprised I didn’t even feel a thing. No pain. Wala na akong warts and I am very happy,” shares a 20-year-old YSA client.
Book your appointment now at one of YSA’s many clinics nationwide. Check out ysa.com.ph for branches and more information.
