Children Get Warts at Home, Not Public Places: Research

Children are likely to get warts from family members and not public places as is the common perception, according to a Dutch study.

Nearly 1130 children, aged between 4 and 12, participated in the research. They were studied for 18 months for warts. The parents were questioned about the time their children spent in sports and other activities and where; at home or public places. The study found 29 percent of children suffered from warts.

"Children often get warts from family members or classmates rather than from public spaces, covering warts at home or at school could maybe be more helpful in preventing warts," Sjoerd Bruggink, lead author from the department of public health and primary care at Leiden University Medical Center, told HealthDay.

The researchers found the children are prone to getting warts when they are home or in classes more than public places where health officials warn people to cover themselves with bandages and shoes.

"The study findings make sense since HPV is a contact-borne virus, and children have the most contact with their household members and school friends," Bruggink said. "It is a great reminder that if anyone has a wart (they should) cover it to prevent spreading the virus."

The researchers said classmates play a major role in spreading warts.

Children mostly get warts on hands. Flat warts are found on the face and forehead, according to National Institutes of Health. These common warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Freezing through cryotherapy or burning through electrocautery can be considered for the removal of warts. However, removing warts on you own is not advisable.