Summertime warts - What they are and how to get rid of them

Warts are a very common affliction, affecting mostly children and teenagers, although people of any age can get them. While they might be a minor inconvenience, warts can cause significant discomfort or embarrassment. Fortunately, certain warts can be easily treated with an over-the-counter remedy.

“Warts are common skin growths that can be spread from person to person through contact, and summer is the time when they are most contagious,” explained Lynsey Hammond, MD of Kroko, manufacturers of quality foot care products. “Warts and athlete’s foot 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. While they might go away over time, it can be a few years and warts can return so it’s best to treat them early. Fortunately, there are simple, at-home treatments that save on money and hassle!”

What types of warts are there?

Warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which thrives in warm, moist weather conditions, making them particularly common during the summer months. There are many kinds of warts with the most prevalent being:

Common warts: These often have a rough surface and are greyish-yellow or brown. They can be found on the fingers, elbows, knees, or the face. Filiform warts: These are small, long, narrow growths with finger-like projections that often appear on eyelids, lips, face, or neck.Flat warts: These are small, smooth growths that tend to form in clusters on the face, back of the hands, or legs.Periungual warts: These appear as thickened skin around the nails and can cause painful splits in the skin.Plantar and palmar warts: These are warts on the soles of the feet (plantar) or the palms of the hands (palmar). Standing or walking exerts pressure and makes the warts hurt. Mosaic warts: When palmer or planter warts form in clusters, these warts are called mosaic warts.

What are wart treatments?

There are varying ‘old wives’ wart treatments ranging in effectiveness – all of which are medically unproven. These include everything from clear nail polish and duct tape to sliced garlic, oil, and raw potato. Another option is to have warts removed by a doctor, however, there is always a risk of scarring.

Kroko WartFix is a tried-and-tested at-home solution for common wart removal which is both cost-effective and simple. This is a flexible liquid application which forms a waterproof covering over the wart. WartFix must be applied directly to the wart, not the surrounding skin. This can be reapplied twice a day until the wart has cleared or falls off which usually takes up to two weeks.

If you are unsure about your wart or concerned in any way, be sure to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Kroko WartFix is available at all good pharmacies, Clicks, DisChem and online at Takealot – please ask your pharmacist to order it if they don’t have stock.  Kroko is also available in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. For more information, visit www.kroko.co.za or email info@kroko.co.za. Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram. Kroko – with you every step of the way.