Preventative Skin Care for Warts

Warts are caused by HPV – the human papilloma virus.  There are many different strains of HPV and each strain can be responsible for different types of warts. 

People with low immune system responses and young children tend to be the most susceptible to the papilloma virus, but there are precautions everyone can take that could prevent you from contracting the virus.

Keep your immune system strong by getting enough rest, eating properly and exercising regularly. 

Since the warts virus is contracted more easily in people with weak immune systems, your best defense is building up and maintaining your immune system.

Since your skin is considered your first line of defense in protecting against HPV and other viruses, proper care of your skin can improve this defense mechanism.

Here are a few tips for improving and strengthening your skin to help prevent getting warts.

Drink 8 glasses of water each day, you need more if you are exerting yourself or if the weather is particularly warm.  You should also stay hydrated during the winter months to avoid dry cracking skin which is a pathway the warts virus can use to enter your body.

Keep any cuts or scratches covered completely - especially ones on the feet and hands. 

People who bite their nails or pull at the skin around their nails are susceptible to HPV because open skin has an easier entry pathway than undamaged skin.  If you have a cut on your feet, make sure you use a waterproof bandage that completely covers the injury.

Wash your hands! HPV, like other viruses is spread through direct contact with the virus. 

Studies have shown over and over again that hand washing can limit the number of times you actually contract a virus.  You should wash your hands with warm water and soap for the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”.

Don’t share towels, washcloths, razors, clippers, or toothbrushes.  The warts virus can be spread by doing this.

By keeping our skin healthy and strong, you can decrease your chances of getting the warts virus.  Small things you do everyday can make a big difference in your overall protection against HPV.

You can read more about warts and HPV at "http://www.warts.org"  

Here's information on how to remove moles and warts.