Close-up image showing painful plantar warts on the sole of the foot, highlighting their rough texture and clustered appearance.
Warts on the feet—commonly known as plantar warts—can be both painful and puzzling. If you’ve noticed a rough patch of skin on the sole of your foot or your child’s foot that doesn’t go away, you’re not alone. Many people wonder, are plantar warts contagious? The short answer: yes, they are. And if left untreated, they can spread and worsen over time.
At DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center in Houston, we frequently treat patients dealing with stubborn and painful foot warts. Let’s break down everything you need to know about warts on the feet, their contagious nature, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Are Warts on the Feet?
Warts on the feet are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts, cracks, or weak spots—especially in areas under pressure like the soles of your feet. Unlike warts on other parts of the body, plantar warts grow inward because of the pressure from standing or walking.
They often appear as:
A small, rough growth with a well-defined boundary
A lesion with black pinpoints (clotted blood vessels)
Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
Hard, thickened skin over a spot on the foot
Are Plantar Warts Contagious?
Yes—plantar warts are contagious. The virus that causes them can spread through:
Direct skin-to-skin contact
Touching surfaces like locker room floors, public showers, or pool decks where the virus lives
Sharing shoes or socks with someone who has the virus
Scratching or picking at a wart and then touching another part of the body
Though not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts, those with weakened immune systems, cuts on the feet, or frequent exposure to communal areas are at a higher risk.
How to Treat Warts on Feet
If you’re wondering how to treat warts on feet, there are several approaches. Over-the-counter treatments are available, but professional care is often more effective—especially for persistent or painful warts.
Here are common treatment options:
Salicylic acid: Available in patch or liquid form to soften and peel off wart tissue.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen (often done in a podiatrist’s office).
Laser therapy: Used to destroy wart tissue with focused light.
Minor surgical removal: A quick, in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia.
Prescription creams: Designed to boost your immune system or directly target the virus.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foot Warts
Some people hope warts will disappear on their own, and in some cases, they do. However, ignoring warts can lead to further spread, pain, or infection—especially if you continue to walk on them, pick at them, or leave them exposed.
Untreated foot warts can:
Multiply or spread to other parts of your feet
Be passed on to family members or others
Cause changes in how you walk (leading to joint or back pain)
Become infected if irritated or torn open
Foot Wart Prevention Tips
The best way to avoid dealing with warts is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some foot wart prevention tips you can follow every day:
Avoid walking barefoot in public places like pools, gyms, and showers.
Keep your feet clean and dry. HPV thrives in moist environments.
Wear shower shoes in communal bathrooms and locker rooms.
Don’t share footwear or socks, even with family members.
Cover your wart with a bandage to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Boost your immune system with proper rest, nutrition, and hydration.
And remember—early detection and treatment are key. The sooner you treat the wart, the less likely it is to spread or cause long-term issues.
When to See a Podiatrist
You should consult a podiatrist if:
The wart is painful, spreading, or not improving with home treatment
You’re unsure whether the growth is a wart or another skin condition
You have diabetes or poor circulation (self-treatment can be risky)
You notice multiple warts forming (mosaic warts)
While warts on the feet may seem minor, they are contagious and can cause discomfort or embarrassment if not treated properly. Whether you’ve just noticed one or have been dealing with them for months, know that you don’t have to suffer in silence.
If you suspect you have a wart or have been trying to treat one without success, it’s best to visit your Houston Foot Doctor. At DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center, our experienced Houston podiatrist will assess your condition and recommend the best course of action.
