The answer is yes—and no. Plantar warts are caused by a virus, so yes, they can spread from one person to another. However, every strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is different, and everyone’s immune system reacts differently to the virus, too. This strain is not highly contagious like, say, a flu virus. The main way you would contract it is to walk in a place where someone with a plantar wart walked, rather than just being near them.
There are several ways to protect yourself, including trying to avoid cracks, cuts, or openings in your skin that would let the HPV in. You should wear flip flops or shower shoes in public pools, gym showers, and other places where lots of people might walk barefoot. Even things like eating healthy and getting enough rest can help improve your immune system to fight off HPV. Make sure you wash and dry your feet every day, too, to keep infection away.
If you suspect you have a plantar wart and it is making walking uncomfortable, call Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center at (303) 423-2520 for an appointment and let us treat it for you safely.
