Common Triggers of Warts and How to Avoid Them

Health Apr 22, 2025 10 Add to Reading List

Warts may seem small, but they can be persistent and sometimes painful. Caused by a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus), warts can appear anywhere on the body. Some people may get just one wart, while others develop many over time. Treatments exist, but not all work the same for everyone. That’s why many people investigate clinical trials for warts treatment to find long-term solutions, especially when over-the-counter methods fail.

Before diving into treatment, it’s helpful to understand what triggers warts and how to avoid them. By knowing the causes, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from unnecessary skin troubles.

What Exactly Are Warts?

Warts are small, rough growths that form on the skin due to HPV infection. The virus enters through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. While warts are generally harmless, they can cause discomfort—especially on the hands, feet, or face.

There are different types of warts, including:

Common warts: Found mostly on fingers and hands

Plantar warts: Found on the soles of the feet

Flat warts: Smaller, smoother warts are often seen on the face

Filiform warts: Long, narrow growths on the eyelids or lips

Genital warts: Spread through sexual contact

Although they are contagious, warts don’t always spread from person to person easily. Your risk depends on certain triggers, which we’ll explore next.

Trigger #1: Direct Skin Contact

One of the most common ways to catch warts is by touching someone else’s wart or even your own and then touching another area of your body. The virus passes through skin-to-skin contact.

For instance, if someone with a wart shakes hands or touches shared items like gym equipment, they may unknowingly spread the virus. You may not notice anything right away—warts can take weeks or even months to develop.

How to Avoid It:

Wash your hands often, especially after touching any cuts or wounds.

Avoid touching someone else's warts.

Use your items like towels, nail clippers, and razors.

Trigger #2: Broken or Damaged Skin

HPV needs an entry point, and damaged skin gives it just that. Cuts, scratches, or dry, cracked skin make it easier for the virus to get inside. Children often get warts more easily because they get more scrapes and cuts while playing.

Moreover, people with eczema or those who shave often can also develop warts more easily due to weakened skin barriers.

How to Avoid It:

Keep skin moisturized to avoid cracking.

Cover wounds or cuts with a clean bandage.

Be careful while shaving to avoid nicks and scrapes.

Trigger #3: Walking Barefoot in Public Places

Public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pool areas are full of moist surfaces. These places are hotspots for plantar warts, which grow on the soles of your feet. The virus thrives in warm, damp conditions and can live on these surfaces for a long time.

Furthermore, the risk increases if you have even a small cut on your foot. The virus enters your skin and causes a wart to form over time.

How to Avoid It:

Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public places.

Dry your feet well after swimming or showering.

Keep your toenails trimmed and clean.

Trigger #4: Weakened Immune System

A strong immune system helps your body fight off infections, including HPV. However, when your immune system is weak—due to illness, medication, or stress, your body may struggle to control the virus. As a result, warts can form or spread more easily.

People undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplants, or living with chronic conditions are at higher risk of recurring warts.

How to Avoid It:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet to support immunity.

Manage stress through regular sleep and relaxation.

Talk to your doctor if you’re on medications that weaken immunity.

Trigger #5: Nail Biting and Cuticle Picking

Some people habitually bite their nails or pick at their cuticles. This may seem harmless, but it opens the door for HPV. Once the skin around your nails is broken, the virus can easily invade and cause periungual warts—warts that form around or under the fingernails.

Additionally, biting your nails can spread the virus from one part of your hand to another.

How to Avoid It:

Keep your nails trimmed and clean.

Use bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage biting.

Moisturize your hands and cuticles to prevent irritation.

Trigger #6: Sharing Personal Items

It might seem convenient to borrow someone’s towel or razor, but it could cost you later. HPV can survive on surfaces for long periods. When you share items that come in contact with skin, you increase the risk of transferring the virus.

Moreover, public nail salons that don’t disinfect tools properly may also spread warts unknowingly.

How to Avoid It:

Use your own towels, socks, shoes, and grooming tools.

Choose nail salons that follow proper sanitizing practices.

Disinfect personal items regularly.

Trigger #7: Excessive Sweating

People who sweat a lot, especially on their hands or feet, may face a higher chance of developing warts. Moist skin becomes softer and more porous, making it easier for HPV to enter. Sweaty feet in tight shoes create the perfect condition for plantar warts to grow.

Resultantly, athletes and those who wear closed shoes for long hours may need to be extra cautious.

How to Avoid It:

Use foot powders or moisture-wicking socks.

Let your shoes air out between uses.

Keep your hands and feet dry as much as possible.

Trigger #8: Close Physical Activities

Wrestling, gymnastics, and other contact sports often involve close body contact. This increases the chance of spreading the virus, especially if the skin is scraped or irritated. Mats, shared gear, and tight uniforms may also play a role in spreading HPV.

How to Avoid It:

Wear clean, breathable sportswear.

Disinfect mats and equipment before and after use.

Treat minor injuries quickly and cover them with a bandage.

What to Do If You Already Have Warts

If you develop a wart, don’t panic. Many warts go away on their own, but some last for months or even years. You can try over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or freezing sprays.

However, if the wart doesn’t respond, gets worse, or spreads, consult a doctor. In some cases, clinical trials may offer new options. Clinical trials for warts treatment test the safety and effectiveness of new therapies and may give you access to promising treatments not yet widely available.

You may also read: How to Get Rid of Acne: Home Remedies for Pimples

Conclusion: Protect Your Skin Before Warts Start

Understanding what causes warts can help you avoid them. By taking small steps, you reduce your chances of catching or spreading HPV. Here’s a quick recap:

Avoid direct skin contact with warts

Cover cuts and moisturize dry skin

Wear shoes in public areas

Strengthen your immune system

Don’t bite your nails or pick at your skin

Keep your hands and feet dry

Use only your personal care items

Moreover, staying aware of your surroundings and habits can make a big difference. If you already have warts, don’t ignore them. Seek advice early and explore medical options, especially if they keep coming back.

Lastly, don’t forget that your feet are especially at risk. Wet floors, tight shoes, and sweaty socks all increase the risk of developing plantar warts. So, keep your feet clean, dry, and covered—and keep HPV out of your life.