Warts are caused by a viral infection that occurs when the tiny virus bodies enter the skin through a small opening like a blister, tiny abrasion, or even a soft area around the nail bed. Once the virus enters the skin, it establishes its “roots” deep beneath the skin. The visible portion of the wart above the skin is just the “tip of the iceberg,” so to speak, with the majority of the wart buried beneath the surface. Like the fungus that causes athlete's foot, the virus that causes warts prefers warm, damp environments like public locker rooms and showers and public pools, and going barefoot in these areas can increase the chances of developing an infection. People with compromised immune systems are more likely to contract warts since the body isn't as well-equipped to ward off the viral infection. Circulation problems including those associated with diabetes also increase the risk of developing warts.
Because of their deep roots, warts can be difficult to treat, and over-the-counter preparations are rarely strong enough to penetrate to the deeper layers to destroy the entire viral population. Plus, stronger over-the-counter preparations can wind up injuring surrounding tissues, causing scarring and even increasing the risk of infections. Professional wart care uses medications and other techniques to reach the deeper layers of tissue where warts hide so they can be destroyed at their source. In addition to topical medicines, oral medications may also be prescribed to fight the virus systemically. Many warts can be successfully treated with electrocautery (“burning” them off with electricity) or cryotherapy (using liquid nitrogen to freeze them off). Depending on the depth of the wart and how many warts are present, multiple treatments may be needed to completely eradicate the virus.
The best way to prevent warts is to avoid being barefoot in warm, damp, public areas like gym locker rooms and showers, and to avoid wearing other people's shoes and socks. It's also very important to schedule an office visit at the first sign of a wart, when treatment tends to be much simpler.
