Swimming pool: how to limit the risk of warts ?

Piscine : comment limiter le risque de verrues ?

Avec le retour des beaux jours, les piscines font le bonheur des petits et grands. Mais gare aux désagréables verrues qui peuvent ternir ces moments de détente.

An update on these small benign tumors as well as some advice to prevent their proliferation.

Warts are caused by viruses belonging to the human papillomavirus (HPV) family, extremely contagious, which particularly like hot and humid environments.

In the case of swimming pools, these viruses can penetrate under damaged skin, most often on the feet, but not only. Contrary to popular belief, warts can develop on almost any part of the body: hands, elbows, knees, face…

Good reflexes to limit risks

To prevent the appearance of these unsightly and sometimes painful lesions, hygiene is essential. At the swimming pool, it is advisable to protect your feet by wearing sandals and to dry yourself thoroughly after showering. And if, despite everything, a wart appears, it is essential to adopt the right actions to limit contagion to those around you.

Among the reflexes to have: cover warts with waterproof dressings or a colorless varnish before swimming, do not share personal belongings (towels, socks…), avoid handling or handling them scratch, and wash your hands thoroughly after touching them or after applying a treatment.

From home treatment to medical recourse

If warts can sometimes heal spontaneously, the advice of a doctor remains essential, especially if they are numerous, unsightly or painful. The general practitioner or dermatologist will be able to prescribe a suitable treatment to be applied regularly for 1 to 2 months. The laser technique also exists for warts that persist for many years despite repeated treatments.

One thing is certain, prevention is better than cure! With the right hygiene and precautionary measures, swimming pools can remain a place of relaxation without inconvenience.