Warts are non-cancerous growths that are rough to touch and often feature a pattern of tiny black dots formed by small, clotted blood vessels. They are usually not painful, except for plantar warts, which grow on the bottom of the foot.
Warts are contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another. Usually, they disappear on their own; however, some parents choose to remove their children’s warts because they find them embarrassing or bothersome.
Let’s explore the causes of warts, how they are transmitted, and where you can go for your child’s warts treatment in Tuckahoe, NY.
Causes of Warts
Warts are caused by a virus called Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus with more than 150 types. Different strains of Human papillomavirus are associated with different types of warts.
Human papillomavirus causes the production of an excess amount of keratin (a hard protein) on the top layer of the skin. This extra keratin gives warts their rough and hard texture.
Transmission Of Warts
Human papillomavirus is passed on through close skin-to-skin contact. Some strains of Human papillomavirus transmit through sexual contact, while most forms spread through casual skin contact or through shared objects, such as washcloths and towels.
Children can also spread the virus from one part of their body to other parts when they:
- Scratch, pick at, or bite a wart.
- Bite their nails and suck on fingers that have warts on them.
- Shave their face or legs (as shaving can cause the warts to break up and bleed, making it easier for the HPV to spread to other areas or persons).
The virus is more common in children because children get a lot of cuts. The virus spreads through the breaks in the skin and causes infection. Soft and wet skin and the skin that has been in contact with a rough surface are more likely to catch HPV.
Some Ways to Prevent the Transmission of Warts
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent warts; however, you, as a parent or caregiver, can lower your child’s risk of picking up the virus or stop the virus from spreading by following the steps mentioned below.
- Break your child’s habits of picking up cuticles and biting their nails.
- Teach your child not to share towels, clothing, washcloths, razors, nail clippers, or other personal items.
- Advise your child not to touch another child or person with warts.
- Keep your child’s feet dry to prevent the development or spread of plantar warts.
- Advise your child not to scratch, cut, or pick at a wart.
- Get your child an HPV vaccine as soon as possible.
- Seek a pediatrician’s help for your child’s warts.
Children’s Warts Treatment in Tuckahoe, NY
If your child is having warts and you are in search of a pediatrician who can provide treatment for warts and prevent existing warts from spreading further to other parts of the body, visit us here at Village Pediatric Group. Our team of pediatricians has years of experience in treating a comprehensive range of child’s health conditions, including warts. We not only offer the right care but also offer preventive measures to prevent health conditions like warts from occurring in the first place.
To meet our board-certified pediatricians or to know more about warts treatment, call us today at (914) 771-7070 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
