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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

To reduce the risk that you or your child will get or spread warts:

  • Don't brush, clip, comb or shave areas that have warts, in order to avoid spreading the virus.
  • Don't use the same file or nail clipper on your warts as you use on your healthy nails.
  • Don't bite your fingernails if you have warts near your fingernails.
  • Don't pick at warts. Picking may spread the virus. Consider covering warts with an adhesive bandage to discourage picking.
  • Keep your hands as dry as possible, because warts are more difficult to control in a moist environment.
  • Wash your hands carefully after touching your warts.
  • Use footwear in public showers or locker rooms.
References
  1. Warts. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_warts.html. Accessed. Dec. 28, 2009.
  2. Androphy EJ, et al. Warts. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2958209. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
  3. Warts. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch122/ch122c.html. Accessed Dec. 26, 2009.
  4. Goldstein BG, et al. Cutaneous warts. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
  5. Berger TG. Dermatologic disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=747. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
  6. Dehghani F, et al. Healing effect of garlic extract on warts and corns. International Journal of Dermatology. 2005;44:612.
  7. Egawa K, et al. Topical vitamin D3 derivatives for recalcitrant warts in three immunocompromised patients. British Journal of Dermatology. 2004;150:367.
DS00370 Feb. 16, 2010

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