Plantar warts can show up when you least expect them—usually on the soles of your feet where they hurt the most. They’re common, especially in children and teens, but adults can get them too. One of the most frequent questions we hear at Sole Foot and Ankle is: Are plantar warts contagious?
Let’s clear that up and walk through what you need to know about these pesky skin growths.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, plantar warts are contagious, but they spread under specific conditions.
- They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters through tiny breaks in the skin.
- Public areas like pools, locker rooms, and communal showers increase your risk.
- Not everyone exposed to HPV will develop warts—immune system strength plays a role.
- You can take steps to prevent plantar warts and protect your family.
- If you think you have one, it’s best to see a podiatrist early for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are small, rough growths that usually appear on the bottom of your foot—often on the heel or ball of the foot where pressure is highest. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure from walking or standing.
You may notice:
- A rough, grainy lesion
- A small area with a black dot in the center (tiny blood vessels)
- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
- Thickened skin over the wart, similar to a callus
What Causes Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 types of HPV, but only a few cause warts on the feet. The virus enters your body through:
- Cuts or cracks in dry skin
- Broken skin from blisters
- Moist, softened skin (like after a long swim or shower)
The virus thrives in warm, damp environments—think public pools, showers, and locker room floors.
Are Plantar Warts Contagious?
Yes, they are—but not in the way you might think.
You don’t “catch” plantar warts through casual skin contact like a handshake. Instead, they spread through indirect contact with surfaces or skin that has been exposed to the virus.
For example:
- Walking barefoot in communal showers or pool decks
- Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with someone who has a wart
- Touching a wart and then touching another area of your foot or someone else’s
Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them?
That depends on your immune system. Some people may be exposed to HPV and never develop a wart. Others may get one after a single visit to a public pool.
Children and teens tend to be more susceptible, as their immune systems are still developing. People with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or poor circulation are also at higher risk.
How to Prevent the Spread of Plantar Warts
If you already have a plantar wart or want to avoid getting one, here are simple steps to follow:
Do:
- Wear flip-flops or water shoes in public showers or pools
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Cover any existing warts with a bandage or medical tape
- Disinfect nail clippers, pumice stones, and foot care tools
- Wash your hands after touching your feet
Don’t:
- Walk barefoot in public spaces
- Pick at or scratch the wart
- Share shoes or socks
- Use the same pumice stone or nail file on healthy skin and a wart
How Are Plantar Warts Treated?
Sometimes plantar warts go away on their own, especially in children—but they can take months or even years to fully disappear. If they’re painful, spreading, or not responding to home treatment, it’s time to see a foot doctor.
At Sole Foot and Ankle, we offer:
- Cryotherapy (freezing the wart)
- Laser treatment to target the wart without damaging surrounding skin
- Prescription-strength topicals
- Minimally invasive procedures for deep or stubborn warts
We also help patients prevent future outbreaks through gait analysis, footwear advice, and proper foot hygiene education.
When to See a Podiatrist
Make an appointment if:
- The wart is painful or bleeding
- It’s interfering with your walking or daily activities
- You’re not sure if it’s a wart or something else (like a corn or callus)
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- The wart keeps coming back
At Sole Foot and Ankle, we take the time to explain your options and guide you toward the best treatment for your lifestyle.
A Note from Sole Foot and Ankle
Plantar warts may be common, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Early care makes treatment easier and reduces the chance of spreading the virus to others.
If you think you might have a plantar wart—or just want to make sure your feet are healthy—call Sole Foot and Ankle in Valparaiso at 219‑464‑9588 or schedule an appointment online. We’re here to keep you active, informed, and pain-free.
