Anyone who has ever had a wart before will probably agree that it’s not the most pleasant experience. Warts can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and difficult to deal with. They can also be contagious. Our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants have many years of experience diagnosing, treating, and educating our patients about warts. Which is why we wanted to take some time today to answer questions about warts and how they can be spread.

Question #1: Is Every Type of Wart Contagious?

There are different types of warts that can appear and affect people differently. However, one thing they have in common is that all forms of warts are contagious. They can differ in how they are spread. Some warts spread from physical contact between people. Other warts can spread from surfaces like floors or shared personal items like towels or razors.

Question #2: Is It Possible for Warts to Spread to The Genitals?

Yes it is. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be passed through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has them. The overwhelming majority (roughly 90%) of cases result from developing certain strands of human papillomavirus (HPV). More generally, other kinds of warts can also easily spread from one part of your body to another, if they are touched, scratched, or picked at.

Question #3: What Can I Do to Protect Myself From Developing Warts?

While it may not be possible to fully prevent warts from developing, there are certainly things that you can do to reduce your risk and try to prevent their spread. This includes:

• Avoid direct physical contact with any wart of any kind on another person’s skin.
• If you do make contact, make sure to immediately wash your hands thoroughly in hot water.
• Wear socks or shoes whenever possible to prevent plantar warts on your feet (especially in public gyms, spas, and showers).
• Ask your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated for HPV and other viruses that cause genital warts.
• Perform safe sex and always wear a condom or ensure your partner wears one.

Question #4: How Can Genital Warts Be Treated?

Different warts require different treatment methods. In the case of genital warts, we may begin by recommending topical medications like imiquimod, podophyllin, or podofilox. If not successful, we can use other safe and effective methods like laser treatments or cryotherapy to address difficult genital warts that may be more widespread.

Warts may not pose a serious health risk, but we still strongly recommend being aware of them and doing what you can to prevent them before they should occur. For more information on warts, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.