Warts: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention for Families

Hand viral warts

Hello, doctor.
Following up on my previous question, I have some additional inquiries.
Last week, I trimmed my son's toenails and noticed a growth that looks like a wart inside one of them.
He and my husband visited a dermatologist the week before, and it was confirmed that they are warts.
My husband mentioned that the one at the base of my son's toenail has been there since April, and he thought it was just due to long nails causing the skin to bulge.
I usually bathe my son, and ever since I found out about the warts on his toenails, I've become quite anxious.
Initially, there was only one wart, but last week, he developed three more on the soles of his feet.
I tend to be a nervous person and constantly feel like there are viruses in the house.
Even though I clean the floors with soapy water, I'm still worried about transmission.
I wash my hands nearly 20 times a day and apply medication to my son's warts while wearing gloves.
I check my hands and feet daily.
Last week, I visited a doctor for a very small growth on my hand, and the doctor said it looked like a wart, so they performed cryotherapy.
The next day, I noticed another even smaller growth, about 0.1 cm, and went back to the doctor.
They diagnosed me with dyshidrotic eczema and mentioned that this new growth might also resemble a wart but couldn't confirm it, so they performed cryotherapy again.
I apologize for having so many questions, but I would like to ask:
1.
Why did I develop a wart on my hand?
2.
Is it possible that my frequent handwashing has stripped away the protective layer of my skin, making me more susceptible?
3.
Could I have already been infected by my son, and it just manifested now?
4.
How long can the wart virus survive outside the human body?
5.
What is the incubation period for the virus?
6.
Do family members' socks and clothing need to be washed separately?
7.
My older child seems to have developed a growth that looks similar to mine, but it is also very small, about 0.1 cm.
He has also developed some itchy blisters on his hands and has atopic dermatitis, which causes him to scratch his body.
Is he at risk of developing warts as well? I'm very worried and plan to take him to the dermatologist tomorrow since it's raining today.

8.
I am very cautious about touching my body with my hands, even wearing gloves while showering and washing my face to avoid transmission.
What precautions should I take in my daily life?
9.
My son applies medication and uses band-aids, and he wears socks to bed.
I wear socks all day.
Does this help prevent transmission?
10.
If I accidentally come into contact with the virus, is it better to use alcohol spray or hypochlorous acid? I’ve noticed that hospital staff spray their hands with alcohol before seeing patients.

Wenwen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/02

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

1.
Probability issue
2.
No
3.
It was transmitted earlier; the typical incubation period is about 2 to 8 months.

4.
In a dry environment, it lasts about 24 hours.

5.
The incubation period is approximately 2 to 8 months.

6.
Not necessary.

7.
Rain???
8.
Treat as soon as possible.

9.
No impact.

10.
???

Reply Date: 2019/07/02

More Info

Warts are benign growths on the skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet and hands, and are particularly common in children. Understanding the causes, treatment options, and preventive measures is essential for families dealing with warts.

Causes of Warts
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the top layer of skin. The virus enters the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin. There are many different types of HPV, and some are more likely to cause warts than others. Warts can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through contaminated surfaces, such as floors in public showers or swimming pools.

Treatment Options
1. Over-the-Counter Treatments: Many wart treatments are available without a prescription. These typically contain salicylic acid, which helps to peel away the wart gradually. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and be patient, as it may take several weeks for the wart to disappear.

2. Cryotherapy: This is a common treatment performed by dermatologists, where the wart is frozen off using liquid nitrogen. This method can be effective but may require multiple sessions.

3. Laser Treatment: For stubborn warts, laser therapy may be recommended. This method uses focused light to destroy the wart tissue.

4. Surgical Removal: In some cases, warts may need to be surgically removed, especially if they are large or painful.

5. Immunotherapy: This treatment helps to stimulate the immune system to fight off the virus. It may involve applying a topical medication or receiving injections.

Prevention
Preventing the spread of warts involves several key practices:
1. Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water can help prevent the spread of HPV. It's especially important to wash hands after touching warts or surfaces that may be contaminated.

2. Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, socks, or shoes, as these can harbor the virus.

3. Wear Footwear in Public Areas: Wearing flip-flops or water shoes in public showers, pools, and locker rooms can help protect against HPV.

4. Keep Skin Healthy: Moisturizing dry skin and treating cuts or abrasions promptly can reduce the risk of HPV entering the skin.

Addressing Your Concerns
1. Why Did You Get Warts?: It's possible that you were exposed to the virus from your son or through contaminated surfaces. Warts can develop when the virus enters through small cuts or abrasions.

2. Frequent Handwashing: While washing hands is important, excessive washing can strip the skin of its natural oils, potentially leading to skin irritation or conditions like dyshidrotic eczema, which may explain your symptoms.

3. Transmission from Your Son: If your son has warts, it is possible that you contracted the virus from him, especially if you have been in close contact.

4. Survival of the Virus: HPV can survive on surfaces for a short period, but it is generally not long-lasting outside the human body.

5. Incubation Period: The incubation period for warts can vary; it may take weeks to months for warts to appear after exposure to the virus.

6. Washing Clothes: It is advisable to wash the family’s socks and clothing separately if someone has warts, to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

7. Your Other Child: If your older child has developed similar symptoms, it is wise to consult a dermatologist. Children with atopic dermatitis may be more susceptible to skin infections.

8. Daily Activities: While it’s understandable to be cautious, you don’t need to avoid all physical contact with your body. Just ensure to wash your hands before touching your face or other areas.

9. Preventing Transmission: Wearing socks over treated warts can help prevent spreading the virus.
10. Disinfecting: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be effective against HPV, but washing hands with soap and water is generally more effective for removing viruses from the skin.

Conclusion
Warts can be a source of anxiety, especially when they appear in children. Understanding their causes, treatment options, and preventive measures can help families manage this condition effectively. If you have concerns about your or your child's warts, consulting a dermatologist is the best course of action to receive tailored advice and treatment.

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