Can a common wart that hasn't ruptured be contagious?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 23, 2024
00:00
00:00

Common warts are contagious even without broken skin. Common warts are caused by an infection with a subtype of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with each other, and it is not necessary for the surface to have wounds or cuts in order to spread. Therefore, once this disease is detected, it must be treated promptly and properly, such as going to the dermatology department of a hospital to use methods like cryotherapy or laser. It may not be completely cured in one session and might require multiple treatments to fully resolve. Only after it is completely cured and the source of infection is eliminated, will it no longer spread to oneself or others around. It is important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, and it is advisable not to keep small animals at home.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
58sec home-news-image

What should I do if common warts keep recurring?

Common warts, which are recurring, can be treated using cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. If cryotherapy is not effective, it is recommended to use carbon dioxide laser treatment. Common warts are caused by the infection of human papillomavirus, and they are a contagious and recurrent skin disease. The recurrence is primarily related to a decrease in immunity. When recurrent outbreaks occur, it is important to strengthen physical exercise to enhance immunity. Medications that enhance immune health might be used as well, such as taking oral transfer factor solution or using transfer factor capsules. Additionally, it is important to avoid staying up late, to eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, and to potentially utilize traditional Chinese medicine and herbal decoctions to enhance one’s immune capabilities.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

Is the recurrence rate of common warts high?

Common warts, commonly known as verruca vulgaris, are infectious due to human papillomavirus infection and have a high recurrence rate. For example, warts occurring on the feet are called plantar warts, which often have a long disease course and require multiple cryotherapy treatments, even more than ten times, and can recur and reoccur. It is necessary to enhance skin cleanliness, avoid external factors such as injuries, and provide active and effective antiviral treatment and immunomodulatory supportive symptomatic treatment. Early intervention with physical treatments, such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, laser treatment, or even surgical removal of the wart, can be combined with oral medications like thymosin enteric capsules and topical interferon gel to suppress virus replication.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Is a common wart initially a red dot?

Common warts in their early stages are generally not just a red dot. The symptoms of common warts initially are usually grain-sized papules that gradually grow larger, with a rough, hard surface turning dirty yellow or grayish-brown, though some may be skin-colored. Common warts are typically solitary or multiple and commonly appear on the fingers, backs of hands, and edges of the feet. For common warts, topical medications can be used for treatment, such as applying recombinant human interferon ointment or using acetic acid solution. Additionally, treatment at a regular hospital's dermatology department can involve liquid nitrogen freezing therapy or carbon dioxide laser therapy. Surgical removal is also an option. If there are many warts, it is also necessary to combine treatment with oral antiviral medications and medications to boost the immune system.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Can common warts be removed by soaking in vinegar?

Common warts are infections caused by the human papillomavirus, commonly known as "prickly warts." Using vinegar to soak them is ineffective. It is necessary to enhance local cleanliness, with physical treatment methods being the first choice, such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or combined photodynamic therapy. Treatments may also include laser or surgical options, supported by immunological aids, such as oral thymopentin enteric capsules, and possibly supplemented by Avi A to promote the regression of the warts. Additionally, topical applications of interferon gel and tazarotene cream help inhibit viral replication and soften the keratin layer, respectively. Treatment usually requires about three to four weeks, with follow-up visits every one to two weeks. The cryotherapy can be administered in multiple sessions to prevent picking and the formation of injuries. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
59sec home-news-image

Are common warts and plantar warts the same?

Plantar warts are common warts that occur on the soles of the feet. Therefore, plantar warts are a special type of common wart that occurs on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts belong to the category of common warts. Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin and mucous membranes, resulting in benign growths such as common warts, flat warts, or genital warts, among others. However, the subtypes of HPV causing these infections vary. Additionally, within common warts, those occurring on the soles of the feet are specifically referred to as plantar warts. Plantar warts mainly appear on the front part of the sole, which is an area subject to friction and often sweatier, thus making it more susceptible to warts. These warts can be painful, or they might not cause any discomfort at all.