Are warts contagious? If you got in touch with someone with warts or found them on your body, you might wonder if you can get or pass along this skin growth.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus responsible for causing warts. Since there are more than 100 strains, it can be responsible for different types of warts.
However, since they are mostly harmless and can be treated at home, many people don’t always take the steps needed to avoid contracting them.
This article will cover how warts are transmitted and how to prevent yourself from having them. Follow the reading!
Can warts be contagious?
Yes, warts can be contagious. Although not considered very infectious, skin-to-skin contact can spread the infection. The same goes for touching contaminated objects and surfaces.
In addition, even after infection, it may take some time for any warts to appear.
The chances of contamination are higher when the skin is wet or damaged. Minor cuts like those that appear when shaving can make your skin more vulnerable to this type of infection. Places like the surroundings of swimming pools or gym restrooms are where you are more likely to get warts.
Contagion person from person
Despite the possibility of being infected, each individual’s immune system can react differently to HPV.
Therefore, even in contact with an infected person, it is possible not to contract the virus. The same goes for the time it takes for warts to appear.
As mentioned, cuts and scratches make transmission more likely to happen. For this reason, it is typical for children to develop common warts.
Adults can also contract different types of warts, such as genital warts, that are transmitted through sexual contact. There is a vaccine to prevent this type of wart. However, it does not work on other types.
Can warts spread on your own body?
When you ask, “are warts contagious?” You might be thinking of transmission from one person to another. However, warts can also spread on a person’s own body.
The logic is the same, propagation happens through touch. Another reason can be actions that make the skin more vulnerable such as shaving. The act makes warts spread and also makes the area more sensitive.
Therefore, if you already have warts on your body, be aware that you can accidentally spread them to other body parts. So, you must be extra careful.
Can warts spread from a surface to a person?
It can be challenging to kill HPV with standard cleaning products. Therefore, when getting in touch with a surface touched by an infected person, there is a risk of contamination.
The same goes for personal items like razors and towels. Wet surfaces also facilitate contamination, as is the case with showers, pool areas, and shared towels.
How to effectively prevent warts
As mentioned throughout this article, warts are contagious. They can be transmitted by getting in direct contact with infected people or surfaces.
Therefore, the reasonable thing to do to prevent warts is to avoid getting in touch with potentially contaminated areas.
Here are some general tips:
- Avoid touching someone’s wart;
- Don’t touch your own wart if you already have them. This way, you avoid spreading to other body parts.
- Try not to share personal objects such as razors and towels.
- Frequently wash your hands and use flip-flops in places like public showers and swimming pools.
- Warts are more prone to appear on broken skin. So, avoid biting your fingernails.
So, now you can confidently answer your “are warts contagious?” query. Yes, they are. But as you can see, you have plenty of ways to prevent and treat them.
Do you still have questions? Then, browse our blog for insights and information on handling warts!