If you or a family member has recently developed a wart, you’re likely wondering whether it can spread — and if so, how to stop it. At Everest Pharmacy, we often speak to patients who are surprised to learn just how contagious warts can be, particularly in close-contact households, schools, or shared spaces like gyms and pools.

In this post, we’ll debunk a few common myths, explain how warts spread, and give you practical tips to reduce the risk of transmission. We’ll also explain why wart removal — particularly with cryotherapy in South Manchester — is one of the most effective ways to prevent warts from multiplying or spreading to others.

First, What Causes Warts?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Once inside, the virus causes a build-up of rough, thickened skin. Warts most commonly appear on the hands, feet (where they’re called verrucas), or knees, but can show up almost anywhere.

They are benign (non-cancerous) but can be stubborn, unsightly, and — most importantly — contagious.

Myth: Warts Only Spread by Touching the Wart Itself

Fact: While direct contact with a wart can spread the virus, the transmission can also happen via:

• –> Towels or socks that have touched an infected area

• –> Shower floors, poolside tiles, or gym mats

• –> Skin-to-skin contact during sports or play

• –> Self-spread (autoinoculation), where a person transfers the virus from one part of their own body to another by scratching or picking at a wart

This means it’s entirely possible to catch a wart without even realising you’ve been exposed.

Myth: If It’s Dry or Small, It Can’t Spread

Fact: Even small, flat, or dry-looking warts can carry the virus — especially if they’re in areas that experience pressure or friction, such as the soles of the feet or hands.

If left untreated, a single wart can spread and form clusters or infect others in your household. Children, teenagers, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable.

How to Stop Warts from Spreading

While some warts may go away on their own, they can take months or even years to do so. In the meantime, the virus can continue to spread — which is why we recommend early action.

Here are some simple steps to help stop the spread:

1. Don’t Pick, Scratch, or Shave Over a Wart

This increases the risk of spreading the virus to other parts of your body.

2. Cover It

Use a waterproof plaster or dressing during sports, swimming, or showering — particularly if the wart is on your hand or foot.

3. Don’t Share Personal Items

Avoid sharing towels, socks, shoes, nail clippers, or razors with others.

4. Keep Feet Dry

Warts thrive in warm, moist environments. Change socks daily and wear flip-flops in communal showers or pool areas.

5. Wash Hands After Touching the Affected Area

And don’t let children share toys that are frequently handled, such as gaming controllers or handheld devices, without cleaning them regularly.

The Best Way to Stop the Spread? Remove the Wart

The most effective way to prevent further transmission is wart removal. Getting rid of the source of the virus significantly reduces the chance of spreading it to others or developing new warts on your own skin.

At Everest Pharmacy, we offer professional cryotherapy for fast, targeted wart removal. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing the infected skin cells to die and fall away, allowing healthy skin to replace them.

Why Choose Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a popular option for wart removal because it’s:

• –> Quick and effective

• –> Minimally invasive, requiring no incisions or harsh chemicals

• –> Suitable for hands, feet, and most external warts

• –> More powerful than home treatments, especially for stubborn or long-lasting warts

You may need more than one session depending on the size and depth of the wart, but many patients see significant improvement after the first treatment.

Get Treated Before It Spreads

If you or someone in your household has developed a wart, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. While the condition isn’t dangerous, the longer you wait, the more likely it is to spread — both to other parts of the body and to others around you.

At Everest Pharmacy, we make it easy to book a confidential wart removal consultation and get the skincare you need without delay.

Book Your Appointment Today

To stop warts from spreading, the best time to act is now. Get in touch with us at Everest Pharmacy today to schedule your wart removal consultation and find out if cryotherapy is right for you.

Fast, effective, and discreet — it’s the clear path to clear skin.

This blog was written on behalf of Everest Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.