How Do You Get Warts?

At Midwest Dermatology Centre, we often receive questions about the contagiousness of warts. Yes, it is possible to get warts from touching someone who has them. Warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with a person who has warts. The virus typically enters the body through small cuts, breaks, or abrasions in the skin.

While not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts, your risk increases if your skin barrier is compromised or if you have a weakened immune system. In addition to direct contact, HPV can sometimes be spread indirectly by touching surfaces or objects that have been in contact with warts, such as towels or razors.

We recommend practicing good hygiene, keeping your skin healthy, and avoiding direct contact with warts to reduce your risk. If you suspect you have a wart or are concerned about skin growths, our dermatology specialists are here to help. We offer expert diagnosis and treatment options to help you manage and prevent the spread of warts. Schedule an appointment with Midwest Dermatology Centre for professional care and guidance on all your skin health needs.

At Midwest Dermatology Centre, our patients often ask whether warts can be contracted from shared surfaces or objects. The answer is yes—warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can survive for some time on surfaces that have been in contact with infected skin. This means that you may be exposed to HPV by touching communal showers, locker room floors, gym equipment, or shared towels. If the virus enters your skin through a small cut or scrape, a wart can potentially develop at that site.

While the risk of contracting warts from surfaces is lower than from direct skin-to-skin contact, it is still important to take precautions. Factors such as your individual immune response, the presence of breaks in your skin, and the amount of virus present on a surface all influence the risk of infection.

Midwest Dermatology Centre recommends the following steps to help protect yourself:
●Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public locker rooms and showers.
●Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or socks.
●Keep any cuts or scrapes clean and covered.

Practice good hand hygiene, especially after touching shared surfaces.
If you notice any unusual skin growths or suspect you may have a wart, our dermatology specialists are here to help.

Yes, it is possible to get warts through sexual contact. At Midwest Dermatology Centre, we frequently see patients concerned about genital warts, which are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are typically transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner—even if visible warts are not present.

It’s important to note that not all warts are spread this way. Common warts found on the hands or feet are usually due to different HPV strains and are not generally linked to sexual transmission. Genital warts, on the other hand, may appear as small growths or bumps on the genital, anal, or mouth areas.

Because HPV can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, using condoms or dental dams can help reduce—but not entirely eliminate—the risk of transmission. Regular communication with your sexual partners and routine health checkups are important, as HPV and genital warts may not always cause visible symptoms.

If you are concerned about warts or other skin changes, our experienced dermatologists at Midwest Dermatology Centre are here to help. We offer thorough evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and a variety of effective treatment options for warts and other HPV-related conditions. Our compassionate team will provide you with the information and care you need to manage your skin health confidently and discreetly.

Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can enter the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin, commonly appearing on the hands, feet, or other areas prone to minor injuries. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with another person’s wart or by touching surfaces exposed to the virus, such as communal showers or shared towels. While anyone can develop warts, children and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible.

Most warts are harmless and may resolve on their own over time. However, if you notice a wart that is painful, rapidly growing, or located in a sensitive area such as the face or genitals, it’s important to seek expert care. At Midwest Dermatology Centre, Dr. Melinda Woofter specializes in diagnosing and treating warts with the latest, most effective methods.

You should also consider making an appointment if you are unsure whether a skin growth is a wart, if you have multiple warts that are spreading, or if you have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medication. Dr. Woofter and the Midwest Dermatology Centre team are committed to providing accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment options to remove warts safely and prevent further spread. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1959 Newark-Granville Road Granville OH 43023. We serve patients from Granville OH, Park Ridge OH, Welsh Hills OH, Newark OH, Alexandria OH, Pataskala OH and surrounding areas.