Human Papillomaviruses & Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are caused by a strain of the human papillomaviruses (HPV). There are more than one hundred different strains of the human papillomaviruses, most of which cause benign moles. Of these strains, approximately 30 strains have been known to cause cancer in men and women. The strains that are known to cause cancer are contracted by sexual contact and are different from strains which cause plantar warts. The sexually transmitted strains of HPV affect the genitals and anus with warts.
The strain of HPV responsible for plantar warts thrives in warm, moist environments. As such, pools, showers, and other similar areas are common places plantar warts HPV initially infects individuals. Wearing some form of footwear in such environments in an excellent way to deter the virus from spreading.
How Plantar Warts are Contracted
Plantar wart HPV can be spread by blood, contact with the skin in the wart on or off the body. Viruses are non-living; as such, they can reside in dead skin without any difficulty until an unfortunate host is found. Plantar warts commonly occur on pressure points in the feet because these areas on the foot are in contact with the ground the most. If any small cuts or abrasions are on these areas of the foot, HPV can enter and eventually cause plantar warts.
HPV has a dormancy period when it first infects an individual. Plantar warts may not develop for several months or years after the virus is initially contracted. During this time, the virus responsible for plantar warts can spread to other individuals. For this reason, HPV is a highly communicable virus.
Different Immune System Reactions to Plantar Warts
Every individual’s immune system can have varying reactions to the strain of HPV responsible for plantar warts. Some individuals will not develop the warts while other individuals will develop the warts. The various antibodies that exist in a person’s body depend on whether or not the virus is able to be destroyed.
There are three factors that can put you at an increased risk of contracting the strain of HPV responsible for plantar warts. These three factors include:
Damage on the skin, i.e. cuts, bruises, lesions, etc.
Being exposed the strain of HPV responsible for plantar warts
Having a weakened immune system as a result of some type of health malady
If any of these three conditions apply to you, make sure you take extra precaution whenever your feet are exposed in a public area. Prevention is the best way to ensure that HPV does not have a chance to attack you and invade your body. Additionally, teenagers and children are more at risk to develop plantar warts for these reasons. Ensuring extra precautions are in place when your children visit public areas bare foot can help stop the spread of plantar warts as well.
