Frogs have a bad reputation, mainly from those who are wary of them.
Some allegations are justified (e.g some species of frogs are poisonous) but others might be exaggerated and should be analyzed.
One such allegation is that you can get warts from frogs. Is it true, though? Do frogs cause warts?
This idea became more of a concern after the success of Disney’s Princess and the Frog when a good number of young girls got hospitalized following their failed attempts to kiss a frog and turn it into a prince.
The wart-like bumps on frogs’ bodies also fuel the stereotype. But the question is: Can a frog give you warts?
The answer is no. Though you should never kiss a frog and be careful before you touch one, warts aren’t a problem you’ll face with a frog.
You’re more likely to get warts from a loved one than you are from the little frog hopping in the yard. Frogs and warts have nothing in common.
Want to understand more? Read on!
Do Frogs Cause Warts?
The wart disease is caused by a virus named Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and is a form of skin infection.
This infection is highly contagious and goes from human to human.
Direct skin contact with someone suffering from warts or even with the object of such a person can give you warts. Warts affect children and teenagers more than adults.
Frogs aren’t humans (obviously) so they can’t carry a Human Papillomavirus.
Plus, the HPV transfers from one person to another. Saying a frog can cause warts is like saying frogs can cause AIDS!
Why Do People Say Frogs Cause Warts?
If it seems obvious that warts are transferred from one human to the other, why does the myth persist?
Besides the kissing part (also a fairy tale because a frog can’t turn into a prince), frogs are thought to cause warts because of their skin.
The texture looks rough and bumpy, resembling warts.
However, the skin has nothing to do with warts. Rather, it helps the frog camouflage as a form of survival.
The bumps also protect the delicate inner skin, which can get easily injured as it is thin.
Therefore, kissing or touching a frog won’t give you warts. This doesn’t mean the aforementioned activities are safe. There are other risks attached.
Is it Okay to Kiss a Frog?
Far from getting a magical prince, kissing a frog is unhygienic and risky.
Some frogs will poison you, and many others will make you suffer from salmonellosis, an infection caused by the salmonella bacteria.
With other pets like domestic dogs, you might get away with kissing, but it is generally unadvisable to kiss an animal.
There are many other ways to show affection to your pet that won’t put you at risk.
Is it Okay to Touch a Frog?
Touching a frog also has its disadvantages. Many frog species are poisonous, and in worst cases, you might be hospitalized.
This especially happens when you try to pick up a stray frog. Do not allow your kids to do the same, as they may be more vulnerable to the effects.
Handling a frog isn’t good for the frog too, even the pet ones. The natural salt on our skin can hurt the frog.
Also, frogs don’t like being touched, and doing so can make them feel stressed. They may try to hop out of your hands, risking injury if you’re too high.
Tips on Handling a Frog
If you have good reasons for handling a frog, here are some tips to do so:
- Wear gloves and wet the gloves to make the frog more comfortable. Do not use powdered gloves.
- Don’t pick it by its stomach or you risk damaging vital organs. Pick it gently by the torso.
- Stay in a bent position so if it hops out, it won’t injure itself.
- Wash your hands before and after handling the frog.
Related Questions
Can I cuddle a frog?
Frogs are not good for cuddling because of the health risk that could cause for both you and the frog. If you own a frog, the safest place to keep it is in its tank.
Can frogs kill?
Some frog species are highly toxic, and touching them is like getting bit by a venomous snake. An example is the golden poison frog. Its venom is capable of killing.
Do frogs make good pets?
Frogs can make good pets, and some species are not dangerous. They’re fun to watch and can keep their owners entertained for long. It depends on what you need a pet for.
Summary: Do Frogs Give You Warts
The idea of frogs causing warts is a myth with no atom of truth in it. Warts are transferred by humans, not by animals.
However, you should be careful getting into contact with a frog. Kissing is a no-no.
Handling frogs should be done with the utmost care and only when necessary.
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