• Question: Why do people get warts and other people don't?:D

    Asked by gabby1996 to Carol, Ellie, John, Philip, Rebecca on 26 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Rebecca Lacey

      Rebecca Lacey answered on 26 Jun 2012:

      Warts are made up of cells that have divided causing a collection of them. The cells have been stimulated to divide by a viral infection called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The viral genetic material integrates itself with the human host genetic material causing cell division.

      HPV infections can occur on the skin (eg in the case of cold sores) and at the cervix in women (you may have heard of the HPV vaccine being given to girls to prevent cervical cancer). Once you have the virus it hides in your system waiting for another opportunity to infect more cells so you never fully get rid of it. Hence some people have HPV and get warts and some don’t have the HPV virus and won’t get warts.

    • Photo: Carol White

      Carol White answered on 27 Jun 2012:

      Perhaps Rebecca can clarify – but I think HPV is contagious, so you should always cover up things like warts and verrucas!

      And it’s true, once you’ve had one infection – like a coldsore – you will inevitably have another one unless you keep your immune system boosted and ready to fight!

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