Are warts contagious?

Warts come from the human papilloma virus, or from one of its 48 different subtypes, and enter the skin by direct contact. They thrive in moist environments but can occur anywhere.

Once on the skin these viruses develop into nodules, usually gray-colored, benign protuberances that are highly contagious and easily spread by skin contact. Some warts will disappear over time if the immune system recognizes it as a virus and produces an antibody, but this is very rare. Warts are most effectively treated and removed by dermatologists.

Warts are found in multiples, do not bleed or itch, and with the exception of the plantar wart on the foot, do not cause pain. They are most commonly found on the fingers, hands, and soles of the feet. On the hands they are pale with a roughened appearance. Skin lines tend to go around them rather than through them. On the neck and face, warts tend to be small and smooth, while the painful plantar wart found on the ball or heel of the foot has the roughened look of a callus.

Children and teenagers are usually affected by warts because their still-developing immune system does not recognize or fight the wart virus. This changes as they age. The best precaution against plantar warts is not to go barefoot in locker rooms, poolside, or in hotels. The seemingly skimpy protection offered by wearing flip-flops or other sandals is actually all that's needed because it keeps the skin away from the wart virus.