Affecting mostly children and teenagers, warts are a very common condition. Although a minor inconvenience, they can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing.
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Warts are common skin growths that are most contagious during the summer months and can be spread from person to person through contact.
Along with athletes’ foot, they tend to spread during this time of year, particularly in wet environments such as swimming pools and change rooms, as well as when coming into contact in school playgrounds and gyms.
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Warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which thrives in warm, moist weather conditions. There are many kinds with the most prevalent being:
While there are some old wife’s tales for treating this condition including painting clear nail polish over the wart, placing raw garlic or potato on it, and even sticking duct tape over it, none of these at-home ‘treatments’ have been proven to work.
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