Do Warts Get Bigger If You Pick Them? Separating Myth from Medicine
The answer is yes, picking or scratching warts can indeed cause them to spread and potentially get bigger. This happens because it releases the virus and allows it to infect other areas of your skin.
Understanding Warts: A Viral Skin Infection
Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many different types of HPV, and each tends to cause warts in specific locations on the body. Common warts often appear on the hands and fingers, while plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet. While typically harmless, warts can be unsightly, embarrassing, and sometimes uncomfortable.
How Picking Warts Leads to Spread
The act of picking or scratching a wart is problematic because it disrupts the protective skin barrier. When this barrier is compromised, the viral particles contained within the wart are released. These particles can then infect surrounding skin or even be transferred to other parts of the body. This is called autoinoculation. Essentially, you’re planting new seeds of the virus wherever the released particles land.
Factors Influencing Wart Size and Spread
Several factors influence whether warts get bigger if you pick them:
- The type of HPV: Some strains of HPV are more contagious than others.
- The location of the wart: Warts in areas prone to friction, such as the feet, might spread more easily.
- The individual’s immune system: A weaker immune system might struggle to contain the virus, leading to easier spread.
- The frequency and intensity of picking: The more you pick, the higher the chance of spreading the virus.
Safe Wart Removal Options
Instead of picking, consider these safer and more effective wart removal methods:
- Salicylic acid: Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can slowly dissolve the wart tissue.
- Cryotherapy (freezing): A doctor can freeze the wart off using liquid nitrogen.
- Cantharidin: This blistering agent is applied by a doctor to lift the wart off the skin.
- Laser treatment: Lasers can be used to destroy the wart tissue.
- Excision: Surgical removal of the wart.
These methods are generally safer and more effective than picking, as they aim to eliminate the virus without spreading it to other areas of the body. Addressing the question “Do Warts Get Bigger If You Pick Them?” requires understanding the mechanisms of viral spread.
Preventing Wart Spread: A Proactive Approach
Taking preventative measures is crucial to minimizing the risk of wart spread:
- Avoid touching other people’s warts.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your own warts.
- Keep warts covered with a bandage.
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels and razors.
- Wear shoes in public showers and locker rooms to prevent plantar warts.
Common Mistakes: What Not To Do
Many people make mistakes when dealing with warts, inadvertently increasing the risk of spread:
- Picking or scratching warts: As discussed, this is the biggest mistake.
- Ignoring warts: Delaying treatment can allow the virus to spread.
- Using unsanitized tools: If attempting home remedies, ensure all tools are clean.
- Spreading the wart unknowingly: Not covering the wart and touching other objects or people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens when I pick a wart?
Picking a wart breaks the skin barrier, releasing viral particles into the surrounding area. This allows the virus to infect healthy skin, leading to the development of new warts. Think of it like accidentally spilling seeds from a plant – more plants will grow wherever the seeds land.
Is it possible for a wart to disappear on its own?
Yes, it’s possible for warts to disappear on their own, particularly in children. This is because their immune systems are still developing and may eventually learn to recognize and fight off the HPV virus. However, this process can take months or even years.
How long does it take for new warts to appear after picking an existing one?
The incubation period for HPV can range from several weeks to several months. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when a new wart will appear after picking, but it’s generally within that timeframe.
Are some people more prone to getting warts than others?
Yes, certain factors can increase your susceptibility to warts. These include a weakened immune system, damaged skin, and a history of warts. Children and young adults are also more prone to warts than older adults.
Can I spread warts to other people by touching them after touching my own wart?
Yes, it is possible to spread warts to other people through direct contact. This is why it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching a wart and to avoid sharing personal items.
If I cover my wart with a bandage, will it prevent spreading?
Covering a wart with a bandage can help to minimize the risk of spreading the virus, especially when touching surfaces or other people. However, it’s not a foolproof method, so continue to practice good hygiene.
Are plantar warts more likely to spread if picked?
Plantar warts, located on the soles of the feet, can spread if picked, similar to warts on other parts of the body. Additionally, the location on the foot and constant pressure can also cause them to spread more easily if not properly treated.
Is there a difference between treating warts with over-the-counter medications versus seeing a doctor?
Over-the-counter medications are typically effective for treating common warts, but they may not be strong enough for more persistent or larger warts. A doctor can offer stronger treatments, such as cryotherapy or surgical removal, and can also diagnose and rule out other skin conditions.
What if I accidentally pick a wart without meaning to?
If you accidentally pick a wart, immediately wash the area with soap and water. Apply a bandage to protect the exposed skin. Monitor the area for any signs of new wart development.
Does scratching a wart have the same effect as picking it?
Yes, scratching a wart can have a similar effect as picking it. It disrupts the skin barrier and releases viral particles, increasing the risk of spread.
Can I use nail polish to cover up a wart and prevent spreading?
While nail polish might provide a temporary barrier, it’s not an effective way to prevent wart spread. The virus can still potentially spread through cracks in the polish or when the polish is removed.
Does the question, “Do Warts Get Bigger If You Pick Them?”, apply to all types of warts?
While the general principle of viral spread applies to most types of warts, the ease of spread may vary depending on the specific type of HPV and the location of the wart. However, picking any wart increases the risk of autoinoculation and potential enlargement or spread.