•  
  •  

Prevent Warts on the Foot (Plantar Warts)

To prevent warts on the foot (plantar warts):

  • Keep your feet dry. Warts thrive in moist, sweaty environments.
  • Wear socks that absorb moisture if your feet sweat heavily. Change your socks often.
  • Do not wear another person's shoes or socks.
  • Avoid touching warts.
  • Do not walk barefoot in a public locker room or shower facility. Whenever possible, wear thongs or other footwear.
  • Avoid injury or irritation to the soles of your feet. Warts grow more easily if the skin has been cut, punctured, or scraped.

If you think you have plantar warts and are trying to avoid spreading them to others:

  • Keep the warts covered with a bandage or athletic tape. Some experts suggest using duct tape.
  • Do not share your towel, bath mat, shoes, or socks with others.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised October 12, 2010

Last Revised: October 12, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.