Win32 Virus Removal

There’s a bit of an ewwww factor when it comes to warts. Usually you show someone and they’ll say that. If they’re really clumpy they might say “Eeeeeeyewwwww.” But they’re actually very common and most of us have either had them or sometime will.

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. Although anyone of any age can get them, they’re mostly prevalent in children. They can appear on hands, feet, faces and just about anywhere on the body and are named according to their size, shape and where they occur. Some don’t bother you at all others are a literal pain.

Care needs to be taken, as they are contagious although simply touching one doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get one. Washing your hands regularly can help as well as being sure that you don’t share towels, clothes or particularly socks. Be sure to cover scratches and cuts to keep them clean, since wounds are more susceptible to the virus. It’s also a good idea to wear waterproof sandals or flip-flops in any public pools, showers, lavatories or fitness center locker rooms.

When they’re on your hands or face (think of the Wicked Witch of the West’s nose) they’re more of an embarrassment than a problem. Be sure that you don’t pick at them since that can cause spreading to other parts of your body. Warts on the bottom of your feet can be very uncomfortable. It feels like you’re walking with stones in your shoes, so you’ll probably be particularly anxious to have them go away.

So, how do you get rid of them? According to Mark Twain in the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, “You got to go all by yourself, to the middle of the woods, where you know there’s a spunk-water stump, and just as it’s midnight you back up against the stump and jam your hand in and say: ‘Barley-corn, barley-corn, injun-meal shorts, Spunk-water, spunk-water, swaller these warts,’ and then walk away quick, eleven steps, with your eyes shut, and then turn around three times and walk home without speaking to anybody. Because if you speak the charm’s busted.”

Well, that might not work. If you’re patient the wart will go away on its own. However, that can take months or years. If you can’t wait that long, there are several products on the market to aid in removal.

Again, time and patience is required. The two most popular are salicylic acid and dimethyl ether. Ask your pharmacist for advice, be sure to read the labels carefully or call your physician. These products should not be used on very young children or the elderly.

Many say that anything in the house can be fixed with a hammer, WD40 and duct tape. The first two probably would do more harm than good on a wart, but many people swear by using duct tape. The idea is that it kills the virus by triggering an immune response. Not a bad concept if you don’t mind wearing duct tape for 6 to 10 weeks. One study recommends using colored duct tape to match your outfit. Presumably so you’ll feel fashionable during treatment.

You should see your healthcare provider if any wart or surrounding skin is red, painful, bleeding, pussy or swollen. Get professional help for a persistent wart that just won’t go away no matter what you’ve tried, there are liquid nitrogen or laser light treatments that only your physician can perform. And, please, see your doctor immediately if warts appear on any part of your body you would consider private.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com, 264-4029. Source: www.warts.org.

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