Plantar warts are caused by HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus. The virus enters your body through tiny breaks in your skin. Often it takes weeks or months for you to notice a lesion. Plantar warts develop a thick layer of skin due to the pressure from your shoes when you walk or run. A single wart can grow into a cluster of warts particularly if they’re left untreated.
Warts are most common in children, teens, and in people who have a compromised immune system. Warts can spread from your feet to other parts of your body, so it’s important to wash your hands after touching them. Warts can also spread to other people through direct contact, by sharing foot implements and towels, or by walking barefoot.
To avoid getting warts it’s important to wear flip flops at the pool and in locker rooms, change socks daily, keep feet clean and dry, and don’t share nail clippers or other foot implements.
Learn more about treatment for plantar warts.
