Plantar Wart Prevention Tips

Warts are rather common—most people deal with at least one at some point in their lives—and seem to develop quickly, so it’s easy not to give much thought to their origins. Knowing what causes warts, though, is important for knowing how to prevent them.

Contrary to some myths and misconceptions, warts are caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV). More accurately, they are caused by certain strains of HPV (which has over 100 different kinds).

HPV thrives, and is often transmitted, in environments that are damp and warm. For this reason, a major plantar wart prevention tip is to protect your feet in areas like gym locker rooms and showering areas, and indoor pool decks. We certainly encourage you to go to health clubs, pools, and gyms to get exercise, but make sure you wear sandals or shower shoes when changing or walking around. This helps you avoid contact with the virus.

Another way the virus can be contracted is by making contact with someone else’s wart. In the event you accidentally touch one or are attending to an afflicted child, make sure you wash your hands or whatever area was exposed.

In addition to skin-to-skin contact, the HPV can be passed along by items. This means you shouldn’t share someone else’s socks, shoes, towels, razors, or other such items if you want to lower your risk of having a plantar wart.

Whereas there is a certain risk factor for picking up the virus in a public place, the odds are even greater if a family member has a wart. In order to prevent the viral growths from spreading within your family, here are some preventative measures you can take:

• Keep the wart dry.Moisture allows the virus to thrive and spread more easily.
• Wash your hands after exposure.Use an antibacterial soap and warm water to wash away any viral contamination.
• Cover the wart with a bandage.This can help prevent the common temptation to pick at the wart, which can lead to the HPV spreading.
• Have your wart removed.Warts will actually disappear in time, but this can take as long as a couple of years. Instead of waiting, simply schedule an appointment with our office and we can remove the plantar wart for you!

If you have any questions about warts on feet—or you would like to schedule an appointment for this or any other skin problems with your feet—contact Premier Podiatry Group by calling our Ebensburg office at (814) 472-2660.