Warts are one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, affecting both children and adults. These small, rough bumps can appear almost anywhere on the body and often raise concern due to their appearance and persistence. Over the years, many myths have surrounded warts, from toads being blamed to superstitions about touching strange objects. To truly understand warts, it is important to separate fact from fiction and look at what science says.
Before diving into the myths, it helps to understand the actual science behind what causes warts. Knowing the real causes gives you the power to prevent them, manage them more effectively, and avoid falling for misleading information.
The primary cause of warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV). This family of viruses has more than 100 strains, and several of these are responsible for different types of warts. HPV infects the outer layer of the skin, usually entering through tiny cuts, scrapes, or weak spots. Once inside, the virus triggers abnormal cell growth, leading to the formation of a wart.
HPV thrives in warm and moist environments, which is why places like public showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms are common locations for wart transmission. Although the virus is widespread, not everyone exposed to HPV develops warts. This variation often comes down to the strength and response of an individual’s immune system.
This is perhaps the most well-known myth. Many people grew up believing that touching a toad or frog could give them warts. In reality, warts have nothing to do with amphibians. The bumpy texture of a toad’s skin may resemble a wart, but amphibians do not carry the HPV virus that causes them in humans.
While hygiene plays a role in overall skin health, warts are not directly caused by being unclean. You can have excellent hygiene and still develop warts if you come into contact with HPV. Conversely, someone with poor hygiene may never get a wart. The deciding factor is exposure to the virus and the body’s immune response.
Although warts are contagious, the risk of transmission through brief casual contact is relatively low. The virus usually requires a break in the skin to establish itself. Transmission is more likely through shared surfaces, objects like towels or razors, or frequent skin-to-skin contact such as handshakes when one person has open cuts.
Many people attempt to cut or shave off a wart, hoping it will disappear for good. This approach not only increases the risk of infection but often fails to solve the problem. The virus remains in the surrounding skin tissue, meaning the wart may return or spread.
Warts can be stubborn, but they are not permanent. In many cases, especially among children, warts disappear on their own within a year or two as the immune system fights off the virus. However, some warts persist for years without treatment, especially in adults or those with weakened immunity.
This is the most important fact. HPV is the culprit, and different strains cause different types of warts, such as plantar warts on the feet, common warts on the hands, or flat warts on the face and legs.
Although not highly contagious like the flu, warts can spread from person to person. They can also spread from one part of your body to another if you pick at them or touch them repeatedly.
Some people are more prone to warts because their immune system does not recognize HPV as a threat. Others may be naturally resistant. This explains why warts often spread in families but do not affect every member.
Stress does not cause warts directly, but it can weaken the immune system, making it easier for HPV to take hold. People under prolonged stress may notice more frequent or persistent warts.
There are several types of warts, each caused by specific HPV strains:
• Common warts: Usually found on fingers and hands, rough and raised.
• Plantar warts: Appear on the soles of the feet, sometimes painful when walking.
• Flat warts: Smaller, smoother, and often appear in clusters on the face or legs.
• Filiform warts: Long and narrow growths, often near the eyes or mouth.
• Genital warts: Appear in the genital area and are sexually transmitted.
Knowing the type of wart can help determine the best treatment approach and prevention strategy.
Not everyone exposed to HPV gets warts. Certain factors increase your risk:
• Age: Children and teenagers are more susceptible.
• Weakened immunity: People with autoimmune conditions or on immunosuppressant drugs are at higher risk.
• Frequent exposure to communal spaces: Gyms, pools, and shared showers raise the chances of HPV contact.
• Existing cuts or broken skin: HPV enters more easily through open wounds.
Since warts are caused by a virus, prevention focuses on reducing exposure and supporting the immune system. Practical tips include:
• Wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers and pool areas.
• Do not share towels, razors, or socks.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching a wart.
• Cover warts with bandages to prevent spreading.
• Boost immunity with a balanced diet, good sleep, and stress management.
While some warts disappear naturally, others may need medical or home treatment. Options include:
• Over-the-counter treatments: Salicylic acid-based solutions or pads help peel away infected skin.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.
• Laser treatment: Destroying wart tissue with concentrated light.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulating the body’s immune system to fight HPV more effectively.
• Treatment choice depends on the type, size, and location of the wart, as well as the individual’s health condition.
Though warts are usually harmless, they can affect self-esteem, especially when they appear on visible areas like the face or hands. Some people feel embarrassed or anxious about them. Understanding the facts helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek effective treatment instead of hiding the condition.
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, not by toads, poor hygiene, or random chance. They are common, contagious to some degree, and influenced heavily by the immune system. While myths have surrounded warts for centuries, scientific knowledge makes it clear that prevention and treatment depend on understanding the virus and how it behaves.
If you are struggling with persistent or recurrent warts, professional guidance is available. The team at Edmonton Wart Clinic can provide accurate information and effective treatment options, ensuring you separate myths from facts and take control of your skin health.
Photo: iStock
