Understanding Myths Surrounding Warts

Myth #1 -- Warts are difficult to remove because they have roots

Warts only grow in the top lay of the skin, the epidermis, and do not have roots that penetrate the dermis. Warts look like they are growing deeper because they displace the top layer of skin.

Myth #2 -- Warts aren't contagious

Caused by the human papillomavirus virus (HPV), warts spread simply by contact from one person to another.

Myth #3 -- Warts never go away

Most warts will cure themselves. Some warts will disappear in a matter of weeks and some could take several years. The speed at which the warts disappear depends on the health of the immune system of the person having the wart.

Myth #4 -- You can get warts by touching frogs

While toads do have warty skin, they can't give humans warts. HPV is a human virus -- toads and frogs do not carry it.

Myth #5 -- You can only get warts on certain parts of your body

Warts don't discriminate. They can pop up anywhere on your body: soles of feet, palms of hands, face, hands, fingers, and genitals.

Myth #6 -- Warts aren't painful

As a general rule of thumb, warts aren't painful. However, plantar warts, the type you get on the bottom of your foot and can be irritated on a daily basis, can become quite painful.

Myth #7 -- Warts are harmless

Warts on body parts other than your genitals are harmless. Genital warts in women can cause cell changes and can lead to cervical cancer. Seventy percent of all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. All sexually active women need to have regular pap smears to check for genital warts and cancer.

Warts aren't something that keeps you awake at night, but it never hurts and can be interesting to finally know the truth.