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Warts, while generally not harmful, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing – often affecting children more than adults. With the increased heat and humidity, summertime is when the virus responsible for warts (human papillomavirus) thrives, and children are more prone to infection.
“Warts are a common problem for South African children and we definitely see a spike during our summer months,” explained Lynsey Hammond, MD for Kroko, manufacturers of leading South African footcare and skincare products. “While some children might never experience warts, others could suffer from repeat infections which is why it’s best for parents to understand how warts spread, and how to prevent them to keep children’s skin healthy in summer.”
How do warts spread
Warts are contagious and can be easily transmitted through direct skin contact or shared surfaces. Children are particularly vulnerable because they come into contact with each other through play, sports and group activities at school.
The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions, making damp and crowded environments a prime breeding ground for infection. Walking barefoot in public showers, sharing towels, or using communal sports equipment increases the risk of exposure.
6 tips for preventing warts
Parents can be proactive in trying to minimise the chance of children contracting warts by taking a few simple precautions. These include:
1. Foot protection: Encourage children to wear shoes when using showers or walking around communal change rooms.
2. Keep dry: Children should get into the habit of drying themselves thoroughly after swimming or bathing warts are supported by damp conditions.
3. Don’t share: Items like towels, socks, and shoes should not be shared among children as these items are often warm and damp, creating the ideal environment for the virus.
4. Cover wounds: Any cuts or scrapes, particularly on the hands and feet, should be covered with waterproof plasters, particularly when children are using communal areas.
5. Keep clean: Children should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently, especially after playing in high-contact areas such as playgrounds.
6. Treatment: While this isn’t necessarily preventative, quick and effective treatment of warts can prevent them from spreading to other areas of the body. Warts can take a while to clear up to treat consistently until they clear up, not just once or twice.
How do you treat warts?
- Over-the-counter treatments: The quickest way to treat warts early on is by using over-the-counter treatments like Wart Fix by Kroko. This provides a targeted solution for safely and effectively eliminating warts.
- Cryotherapy: A medical professional might suggest using a special chemical like liquid nitrogen to freeze a wart. This treatment might need to be repeated for a few weeks. This is best done by a doctor to prevent burning the skin.
- Laser: This treatment is often used for more stubborn warts after other wart treatments haven’t proved effective. A tiny laser can be used to zap the wart, with repeat lasers for more stubborn warts.
To find out more about Kroko Wart Fix or any of the Kroko footcare range, visit www.kroko.co.zaor email info@kroko.co.za. Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram.