Children are at an increased risk of getting warts as they go back to class. Elorac, Inc. is partnering with The National Verruca Foundation to help increase awareness and decrease the spread of warts.It’s back to school time. Are you prepared for everything kids will be bringing home? There’s homework, new friends and for many, viruses. One virus that many students and parents are not prepared for contracting this time of year is cutaneous warts (verrucae).
About Warts
Warts are small, benign (noncancerous) growths on the skin that look like solid blisters or small cauliflowers. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus causes keratin, which is a hard protein on the top layer of the skin, to grow too fast. Warts may grow anywhere on the skin, but the most common locations are the hands and feet.
“Returning to the classroom typically brings an increase in the spread of various bacteria and viruses, and cutaneous warts is no exception,” stated dermatologist Alan E. Lasser, M.D., Executive Director of the National Verrucae Foundation.Keep in mind these five tips to help reduce the risk of getting warts:
1. Wash hands often and well.
2. Cover cuts and scrapes. Injured skin is more vulnerable to the wart virus.
3. Avoid biting nails or picking at hang-nails.
4. Keep warts covered. Use a bandage or film-forming medicine.
5. Don’t touch or pick at any warts.
Warts can be more than a nuisance; they are highly contagious, embarrassing, and can be painful when they appear on pressure points of the body such as the bottom of the feet or on the hands. Plantar (foot) warts affect about 4.5% of the population.1
Sometimes warts are unavoidable. Fortunately, there is a simple, painless treatment for even the most active patient. UltraSal®-ER (28.5% Salicylic Acid Extended Release) Antiviral Film-Forming Solution is available by prescription from your doctor. Salicylic Acid breaks down layers of thick skin and warts.
UltraSal®-ER is the only wart remover designed to continue working all day due to the extended AND immediate-release salicylic acid. It also stays on through all activities including multiple hand-washings, sweating, swimming. It forms a water-resistant seal.
Learning resources about warts for clinicians, individuals, and community members are available at www.WartSmart.org.
About the National Verruca Foundation
The National Verruca Foundation was established to provide accurate information and increase awareness of non-genital warts. Through education and advocacy, we hope to improve the management and prevention of the human papillomavirus (HPV).