Researchers have found that most children become infected with warts through direct contact with family members or classmates, contrary to the popular belief that they are more likely to get them from public places.

Warts have a rough texture and are caused by viruses, particularly one of several kinds of HPV (human papillomavirus). They are spread by direct contact with objects that carry the virus – most commonly human skin. The virus creates keratin, a very hard protein which develops on the top layer of skin, growing fast and appearing as a solid blister.

Treating warts typically involves methods like applying salicylic acid, burning, freezing, and surgically removing them one by one. However, researchers have recently developed a shot into a wart, stimulating the body’s own natural defense mechanism, which takes care of it.

Health authorities often recommend that to avoid spreading the infection people should always cover their warts with a bandage and wear flip-flops in places such as public showers.

However, a group of Dutch researchers believe that many children usually develop warts by other means.

In their study, published in the journal Pediatrics, the researchers analyzed a total of 1,100 children between the ages of 4 to 12, for a duration of 18 months.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Sjoerd Bruggink, from the department of public health and primary care at Leiden University Medical Center, said:

“Current recommendations on wart prevention focus primarily on public places such as swimming pools but children often get warts from family members or classmates rather than from public spaces, [suggesting that] covering warts at home or at school could maybe be more helpful in preventing warts.”

The authors examined the hands and feet of all the children during the study period and asked their parents a series of questions about the amount of time their kids spent in public facilities, and the prevalence of warts in family members and friends.

They found that the warts among the children were mainly contracted at home or in class, and not in public spaces.

In conclusion, the team believes that rather than focus on efforts to reduce transmission in public settings, health care professionals and authorities should also concentrate on reducing transmission among families and within school environments.

An example of a relevant recommendation would be to encourage children to cover their warts at home as well as in public settings such as swimming pools.

Dr. Joceyln Glassberg added:

“The study findings make sense since HPV is a contact-borne virus, and children have the most contact with their household members and school friends,” she said. “It is a great reminder that if anyone has a wart [they should] cover it to prevent spreading the virus.”

Written by Joseph Nordqvist