For Parents Stop Blaming The Frog by David Bank, M.D. (NAPSA)—Anestimated 10 percent of the nation’s 39 million children ages 2 through 11 suffer from warts each year. And despite what the old wives’ tale says, frogs have nothingto do withit. The culprit is the human papilloma virus (HPV), a virus David Bank that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in benign growths that are more embarrassing than serious—yet they are contagious andoccasionally painful. Since HPVis more prevalent in areas that are warm and moist, children are at increased risk for contracting it during the summer, when they spend time at pools and public showers. Also, as kids are in constant contact with one another, the virus often spreads among them. To help keep children wartfree, parents should teach kids to: avoid biting and chewing finger- nails and cuticles; moisturize dry, cracked skin; not share towels; and avoid walking around barefoot in damp showers, locker rooms or on swimming pool decks. Even though warts may disappear on their own without treatment over time, children should have them treated to avoid spreading the virus to new areas of the body and to other people. Over-the-counter treatments, such as the new Maximum Strength Compound W Waterproof One Step Pads for Kids, are the first line of defense. The medicine in this product is incorporated in a waterproof onestep medicated pad within a colorful adhesive bandage featuring Garfield the Cat, so children will think it’s fun—and will keep it on. Bigger kids and adults who get warts can use new Maximum Strength Compound W Waterproof One Step Pads. For additional information, visit www.compoundw.com. Dr. Bank is director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery and author of Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide To Looking Her Best At Any Age.
