Don't pick at skin warts: Doctor warns virus can spread

Skin warts, often appearing as small black dots, can multiply and spread if aggressively scratched or treated with incorrect remedies, warns dermatologist Wu Ren-chin. These growths, caused by viral infections, can lead to more extensive outbreaks if not managed properly.

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The small black spots on the skin are not actual warts but are likely caused by the virus stimulating abnormal skin cell growth, resulting in micro-blood vessels that appear darkened due to blood clotting and oxidation.

Wu explained that a viral wart infection typically requires three elements to be present simultaneously: a break in the skin's protective layer, a sufficient viral load, and prolonged contact with the virus. The small black spots seen on the skin are not actual warts but are likely caused by the virus stimulating abnormal skin cell growth, resulting in micro-blood vessels that appear darkened due to blood clotting and oxidation.

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Wart infection requires three elements: damaged skin, sufficient virus, and prolonged contact.

He stressed that while a casual touch might not transmit the virus, behaviors like scratching, picking at warts, sharing nail clippers, or walking barefoot in public wet areas like swimming pool decks significantly increase the risk of infection. Once infected, warts can spread to other parts of the body and may develop satellite lesions. Wu advises prompt medical attention to prevent the warts from growing larger and becoming more challenging to treat.

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Behaviors like scratching, picking at warts, sharing nail clippers, or walking barefoot in public wet areas significantly increase the risk of infection.