Are Warts Contagious? Learn About Wart Removal and Prevention

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we want to help our patients understand how to prevent the spread of warts, particularly those that affect the feet—commonly known as plantar warts. Warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly via contaminated surfaces such as floors in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas. Here are some tips for preventing warts from spreading:

● Avoid Touching Warts: Do not touch, pick, or scratch warts, as this can spread the virus to other areas of your body or to other people.

● Cover Warts: Always cover warts with a bandage or adhesive dressing to prevent direct contact with others and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

● Wash Hands Regularly: Wash your hands thoroughly after touching warts or any areas that may have come into contact with the wart virus.

● Don’t Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing towels, razors, socks, shoes, or other personal items that may have touched the wart.

● Wear Protective Footwear in Public Spaces: When in public areas like pools, locker rooms, or showers, wear flip-flops or sandals to protect your feet from coming into contact with surfaces that may carry the wart virus.

● Avoid Biting Nails or Picking Skin: Nail-biting or picking at hangnails can spread the virus to other parts of your body, particularly the hands.

● Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean surfaces, especially those that may come into contact with warts, such as shower floors, gym equipment, and other shared spaces.

● Seek Treatment Promptly: If you have warts, seek medical treatment to remove or treat them to reduce the chance of spreading to others or other areas of your body.

● Strengthen Your Immune System: A healthy immune system is better equipped to fight off the wart-causing virus, so maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough rest.

By following these steps, you can help prevent the spread of warts to others and to different parts of your body. If you are undergoing treatment for plantar warts or other foot warts, follow your Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians provider’s instructions carefully, and complete the full course of treatment—even if the wart appears to have resolved early. Our experienced podiatrists are here to provide expert diagnosis and effective treatment options to keep your feet healthy and wart-free.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we offer expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options for plantar warts and other foot-related conditions. We can help determine the best course of action and provide effective relief. Warts can be spread through sexual contact, particularly genital warts, which are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts are highly contagious and can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person, even if they do not have visible warts or symptoms. HPV can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact, making sexual activity a common mode of transmission.

It’s important to note that while genital warts are the most well-known type of warts spread through sexual contact, other types of warts, such as common or plantar warts, are typically spread through direct contact with infected surfaces or individuals. Using barrier methods, such as condoms, can reduce the risk of transmission, but it does not eliminate it, as HPV can be spread from skin not covered by a condom. Regular screenings and open communication with sexual partners are essential in managing and preventing the spread of HPV-related warts.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we understand that warts—particularly those that appear on the feet, known as plantar warts—can be both uncomfortable and concerning. Warts are caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can enter the skin through small cuts or abrasions, often on the feet.

Here are some tips for preventing warts:

● Avoid Direct Contact: Refrain from touching warts on others or your own body, as the virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact.

● Keep Feet Clean and Dry: Wash your feet regularly and keep them dry, especially in public areas like pools or locker rooms where warts are common.

● Wear Protective Footwear: In shared public spaces such as gyms, pools, and showers, always wear flip-flops or waterproof sandals to prevent exposure to HPV.

● Don’t Pick or Scratch Warts: If you already have a wart, avoid touching or scratching it to prevent spreading the virus to other areas of your body.

● Boost Your Immune System: A healthy immune system can better fight off infections like HPV, so eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.

● Cover Cuts or Scrapes: Any open cuts or abrasions on the skin can make you more vulnerable to the HPV virus. Keep these areas clean and covered with a bandage.

● Disinfect Personal Items: If you share personal items like towels or razors, be sure to disinfect them to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting warts.

● Avoid Biting Nails or Picking Skin: Nail biting or picking at hangnails can create an opening for the virus to enter your skin, leading to potential wart development.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing warts. If you notice any unusual growths or changes on your feet, don’t hesitate to contact Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians. Our experienced podiatrists can provide expert diagnosis and effective treatment options to restore the health and comfort of your feet.

Warts are benign skin growths caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and they commonly appear on the feet as plantar warts. While some people may wonder if warts can go away on their own, the answer is yes—sometimes. In many cases, the body’s immune system will eventually recognize and clear the wart virus, causing the wart to disappear over time. This is especially true for children and young adults, whose immune systems are more likely to resolve the issue within a few months.

However, for adults, especially those with weakened immune systems, warts can persist for years. They may even spread to other areas of the skin or multiply, leading to increased discomfort or more visible lesions. This is why some individuals choose to seek professional treatment to ensure the wart is properly addressed and to minimize the risk of it spreading.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we understand how troublesome and painful plantar warts can be, particularly when they affect daily activities like walking or standing. While waiting for warts to resolve on their own is an option, many patients opt for professional care to relieve pain, prevent the spread of the virus, and improve cosmetic appearance. Dr. Nathan Plaskey offers effective and personalized treatment plans to help you find relief and prevent future outbreaks.

Dr. Nathan Plaskey is a highly skilled and board-certified podiatrist at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various foot and ankle conditions, including warts. With years of experience, Dr. Plaskey provides patients with personalized care, offering advanced wart removal techniques tailored to each individual’s needs. His compassionate approach ensures patients feel comfortable and informed throughout the treatment process, helping them achieve the best outcomes for their foot health.

As an expert in his field, Dr. Plaskey employs the latest, evidence-based treatments for wart removal and prevention, utilizing non-invasive methods to minimize discomfort and recovery time. His dedication to ongoing education and staying current with medical advancements ensures that patients receive the most effective and up-to-date care. Whether you’re seeking wart removal or guidance on prevention, Dr. Plaskey is committed to delivering exceptional results in a caring, patient-centered environment.

For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11390 E. Via Linda, Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. We serve patients from Scottsdale AZ, Fountain Hills AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Carefree AZ, Rio Verde AZ, and surrounding areas.