Kids Get Warts at Home, Study Finds

Kids mostly get warts from family members and classmates, not from public places, a new study suggests. The authors said advice on preventing warts may need to change. The study included about 1,000 schoolchildren. They were 4 to 12 years old when the study began. A medical student examined their hands and feet. Nearly one-third had warts. Parents answered questions about the history of warts for the child, family members, classmates and friends. Parents also were asked whether the child used public pools or showers. A different medical student examined the children for warts 11 to 18 months later. Warts occurred twice as often among white children and those who had other family members with warts. Having classmates with warts also increased risk somewhat. Using a public swimming pool appeared to increase risk. But the difference was so small it could have been caused by chance.