Survey says over 50 percent of residents have a poor concept of warts
發佈日期: 2025-05-06 19:39
TVB News
A survey found that more than 50 percent of residents have a poor understanding of warts. Over 30 percent are not aware that warts are contagious.
Warts, infections caused by human papillomaviruses, or HPV, are commonly found on skin. Between January and February, a wellness platform surveyed 621 residents and discovered most of them were unclear about warts.
While 94 percent of the interviewees had heard of warts, 33 percent were not aware the skin disorder is contagious. 46 percent thought warts were the same as corns.
Good hygiene practices are important to prevent warts. Half of the interviewees said they would use communal towels when visiting public venues such as hotels and gyms. Meanwhile, 44 percent would walk barefoot in public areas, like swimming pools.
Some patients said warts had affected their daily lives, but 41 percent did not receive any medical treatment. The reasons include concerns about expensive medical fees and lack of awareness of the skin problem.
HO KA-HIM, General Practitioner: "It's not fatal, but we still have to face this problem. Warts will grow in size and grow in number. If we do not treat the warts as soon as possible, there may be (a) chance of spreading (it) to other body parts."
Ho added pregnant women, children and those with poor wound healing capabilities are at a greater risk of contracting warts.
