Snails are fascinating creatures that have captured our imagination for centuries. However, as with many things in life, there are also misconceptions surrounding snails. One such misconception is the belief that snails cause warts.
Snails do not cause warts; warts are caused by a viral infection (human papillomavirus) that only affects humans. Numerous studies have confirmed this fact, and there is no scientific evidence linking snails to warts. Any connection between snails and warts is a false narrative.
The rest of this article explores the topic of whether snails cause warts and separates fact from fiction. So, buckle up and get ready to learn something new about these fascinating creatures!
Can Snails Spread Warts?
It is possible to get sick after touching a snail, but snails do not carry the HPV virus. Human papillomavirus is only carried by humans, which is the virus that causes warts.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to know more about warts to better understand why snails are not the cause of them.
A wart is a small growth on the skin, which is typically rough and looks a little like the top of a cauliflower. These growths have small black dots inside and can appear almost anywhere on the human body.
However, warts can spread through direct contact and are most often found on:
- Face
- Feet
- Hands
This means warts can spread when an infected person touches a particular surface etc. Still, they cannot be transferred from a human to an animal or insect like a snail.
You can use certain medications to get rid of warts, and there are also procedures, including:
- Laser therapy
- Cryotherapy
But can you get sick from touching snails?
Can You Get Sick from Touching Snails?
Yes, you can actually get infected as a result of touching a snail. This is because snails can carry parasites and other pathogens that negatively impact human health.
Proper hygiene is the key to avoiding any such infection, and it’s important to wash your hands after touching a snail.
Snails are a source of protein and minerals, including magnesium and iron. Some research even suggests eating snails can improve the immune system and promote healthy skin.
That said, you must also be careful about consumption because eating raw or undercooked snails is dangerous.
This is because snails carry” lungworm, ” a nasty parasitic disease that can cause serious health problems for humans.
You might also be familiar with a myth that snails can get rid of warts.
Can Snails Get Rid of Warts?
This is simply not true, and there is absolutely no connection between snails and warts and the human papillomavirus virus, for that matter!
As snails cannot get rid of warts, they should not be used in any way as part of treatment. While there is medication and ointments that can help get rid of warts, you should really speak with a medical expert before trying to remove them.
Before I wind up, if you’ve ever wondered whether snails can feel pain, this article provides an in-depth exploration of the topic that will satisfy your curiosity.
Conclusion
In summary, snails are not responsible for causing warts in humans, and there is no evidence to support the idea that snails can cure warts.
It is important to take proper hygiene precautions when handling snails or any other animals to avoid getting sick.
If you have warts, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for advice on how to treat them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can garden snails carry diseases?
Garden snails can carry some diseases that can be harmful to humans, including rat lungworm and salmonella. These diseases can be transmitted through contact with snail slime or consumption of contaminated food.
How do you know if a snail is poisonous?
While there are no poisonous land snails in the sense that they contain poison, some snails can still harm humans by transmitting diseases through touch or consumption. The Giant African Land Snail is an example of a snail that can be harmful in this way.
Are African snails poisonous?
The African land snail is not poisonous in the sense that it contains poison. However, African land snails can be harmful to humans as they carry the parasite rat lungworm, which can cause meningitis.
What causes lots of snails?
The presence of an abundance of food, moisture, and shelter can cause a high population of snails. A damp environment with plenty of vegetation and debris provides a suitable habitat for snails to breed and thrive. Additionally, snails reproduce quickly, which can lead to a rapid increase in their population.
What to do if a child puts a snail in their mouth?
If a child has ingested part or all of a snail or slug, early treatment is crucial to prevent potential infection. Treatment with oral Albendazole 20 mg/kg (maximum 400 mg/dose) once daily for 7 days is recommended, ideally within 7 days of exposure but not beyond 14 days.
Sources
This article was written by Derek Cullen, a Dublin-born adventurer and travel writer with a passion for exploring the world. The article was expertly reviewed and edited by Paul Odoteh, founder of SnailPedia.com.
