How Do I Stop Getting Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are small skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they can eventually go away with treatment, plantar warts don’t always stay gone for good. In some cases, they may return in the same area, or new warts may appear elsewhere on the foot over time.
In this blog, we explore the causes why plantar warts keep coming back and steps you can do to prevent it from coming back.
What Causes Recurring Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts tend to come back for a few key reasons. HPV enters the skin through tiny openings such as small cuts, cracks, or areas of dryness. At-home or traditional treatments may only target the surface growth, while leaving some particles at surrounding skin which leads to recurrence. This is why it may feel like they “keep coming back,” even after treatment.
Some people are also more at risk to recurring plantar warts, including those who:
- Have a weakened immune response
- Frequently walk barefoot in shared public spaces
- Have existing skin damage like cracks or calluses that make it easier for HPV to enter
How to Prevent Plantar Warts?
While it’s not always possible to completely avoid HPV exposure, there are several practical ways to reduce your risk of getting plantar warts or preventing them from returning:
- Wear footwear in public areas such as pools, locker rooms, and communal showers
- Avoid picking, scratching, or shaving over warts, since this can spread the virus to other parts of the foot
- Keep feet clean by washing it thoroughly with disinfectant soap, and let it dry
- Do not share shoes, socks, or foot care tools, including nail clippers or pumice stones
- Seek professional treatment early if you notice persistent or recurring warts, since early care can reduce spread
- Follow all post-treatment care instructions from your podiatrist to lower the chance of recurrence
Key Takeaways
Plantar warts can return when the virus remains in the skin or when you are exposed to it again in your environment. That’s why prevention is just as important as treatment. Good daily foot habits go a long way in preventing reinfection and limiting the spread of HPV on the skin.
If plantar warts keep coming back or are becoming uncomfortable, reach out to Central Massachusetts Podiatry. Whether they use beetlejuice on warts or swift wart treatment, our highly experienced podiatrists can provide a professional evaluation and can help determine the best way to manage them long-term. Schedule an appointment today.
