Can Plantar Warts Spread? Understanding Contagion and How to Prevent It

Plantar warts are warts that develop on the bottoms of your feet. They are caused by skin exposure to a virus, so they can spread. It’s helpful to know how to prevent the spread of warts.  Dr. Jeffrey Belancio, a podiatrist at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, provides a full range of foot care services, including treatment of plantar warts.

What You Need to Know about Plantar Warts

Plantar warts look like a cluster of rough, hard bumps, and they can develop on the soles. Children, teenagers, and people with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of developing warts.

There are a few important things you can do to help prevent the spread of warts. Remember to:

• Always wear shoes when you are in public areas
• Wear clothing to protect your skin from contacting the virus that causes warts
• Avoid sharing socks, shoes, or linens with anyone

If you develop plantar warts, to prevent the virus from spreading, you need to:

• Cover the wart with a waterproof coating or bandage
• Avoid touching the wart, and always wash your hands if you do touch the wart

You may be tempted to try over-the-counter treatments for warts. Unfortunately, these treatments may not kill the wart, allowing it to spread. Your podiatrist has much more effective treatment solutions that can get rid of warts permanently. Your podiatrist may recommend:

• Peeling the wart with topical salicylic acid
• Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
• Killing the virus with laser treatment

Start Getting Treatment for Plantar Warts

To learn more about plantar warts and how to prevent their spread, talk with an expert, your podiatrist. Call Dr. Jeffrey Belancio at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ. You can reach his office by calling (856) 839-0579, so call now!