4 Ways to Prevent Plantar Warts from Spreading

Plantar warts are more than a cosmetic problem — they’re caused by a contagious virus (human papillomavirus, or HPV) that can easily spread from one part of your foot to another, or even to other people. The good news? With a few mindful habits, you can stop plantar warts from spreading and protect your feet from future outbreaks.

At Direct Podiatry Arizona, we take an integrative approach to foot health — combining modern laser technology, and topical medications, with getting to the root cause of your infection, by addressing things ike sleep, stress, diet, and even nutrient deficiencies, to help your feet stay clear and comfortable.

How Do Plantar Warts Actually Spread?

Plantar warts spread when HPV enters small breaks or cuts in the skin. Because the virus lives and thrives in warm, moist environments, places like locker rooms, swimming pools, and public showers are hotspots for catching and spreading plantar warts.

You can also spread the virus to other parts of your own foot if you pick at or scratch a wart — so not picking these warts is also very important.

4 Ways to Prevent Plantar Warts from Spreading

Keep Feet Clean and Dry

A simple routine goes a long way toward preventing plantar warts.

• Wash your feet daily with gentle soap and water.

• Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.

• Change your socks every day, or more often if your feet sweat.

• Rotate shoes so they can dry completely between wears.

If you have sweaty feet, using a foot powder or moisture-wicking socks can reduce the dampness that warts love.

Protect Your Feet in Public Spaces

Always wear sandals or shower shoes in shared spaces like gyms, spas, and hotel bathrooms. Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms or around public pools.

Don’t share shoes or socks. The virus can cling to surfaces and spread easily this way.

Don’t Pick or Scratch at Warts

It may be tempting, but touching, picking, or trimming a wart increases the risk of spreading the infection.

Keep plantar warts covered with a small, breathable bandage, and wash your hands thoroughly after caring for your feet.

If a plantar wart becomes painful or starts to grow, it’s best to have it treated by a foot doctor or podiatrist rather than trying home removal.

Make sure that pedicure tools are sterile

If you're someone who likes to get pedicures, especially pedicures in nail salons, it is critical to be sure that the nail salon that you go to is sterilizing their instruments in an autoclave.

An autoclave is an medical device that uses high heat and pressure to kill all bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the surfaces of tools.

Cold sterile solution, also is a way to be sure that everything on the surface of the instruments is being killed, including HPV as well.

If you are a DIY person, and do you pedicures at home, be sure the tools you are using, are not being shared between other people.

Support Skin and Immune Health

Your immune system plays an important role in controlling HPV. Staying well-rested, eating balanced meals rich in vitamins A, C, and zinc, and managing stress all support your body’s natural ability to fight infection.

At Direct Podiatry Arizona, we often combine laser wart treatments with guidance on immune support and healthy living to promote long-term results with plantar wart treatment.

When to See a Podiatrist for Plantar Warts

If your plantar wart:

• Spreads or multiplies

• Hurts when you walk or stand

• Doesn’t improve with home care

…it’s time to see a foot doctor. Our office offers gentle laser therapy for plantar warts — a modern, non-invasive option that targets the root of the wart without cutting or freezing.