Verrucas are common, especially among children and people who walk barefoot in shared spaces. Many people worry about passing them on to family members or friends. Understanding how verrucas spread can help you prevent this and decide when professional treatment is needed.
What causes verrucas?
Verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, often on the soles of the feet. While verrucas are harmless, they can be uncomfortable and unsightly, and in some cases, they spread to others.
How do verrucas spread?
Verrucas spread through direct contact with the virus. This can happen when:
- Someone with a verruca walks barefoot on a surface, leaving behind traces of the virus. Another person walks on the same surface and picks up the virus through small breaks in their skin
- People share towels, socks or shoes with someone who has a verruca, transferring the virus
The virus thrives in warm, damp environments such as swimming pools, communal showers, changing rooms and gym floors. This is why verrucas are common among swimmers, athletes and school children.
Can verrucas spread at home?
Yes, it is possible to spread verrucas to family members at home, although it is less common than in public places; it is still important to seek professional treatment.
Can verrucas spread to other parts of your own foot?
Yes. If a verruca is left untreated, it can spread to nearby areas of your foot, leading to multiple verrucas or mosaic warts. This is especially likely if you scratch or pick at the verruca, as this can spread the virus to surrounding skin.
Are children more at risk?
Children are more likely to get verrucas because they often walk barefoot at home, at school, in changing rooms or at swimming pools. Their immune systems may also take longer to recognise and fight off the virus. While verrucas are not dangerous, they can be uncomfortable, and children may feel embarrassed about them in social situations.
How can you prevent spreading verrucas?
- Do not share towels, socks or shoes with others
- Wear flip flops in communal showers, changing rooms and poolside areas
- Keep verrucas covered with a plaster or verruca sock when swimming
- Avoid touching, scratching or picking at verrucas
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Wash your hands after touching your feet or applying verruca treatments
When should you see a clinician?
- If you have a verruca that is painful, growing, or spreading to other areas
- If you are concerned about passing it to family members or others
- If home treatments have not worked after several weeks
- If you or your child has a health condition such as diabetes, reduced immunity or poor circulation
Professional treatments reduce the risk of spreading
Professional verruca treatments are designed to remove the virus-infected tissue effectively, reducing the chance of the verruca spreading to others. At Provide Wellbeing, our experienced podiatrists offer treatments such as SWIFT microwave therapy and cryotherapy. SWIFT is particularly effective because it stimulates your immune system to clear the virus completely, reducing recurrence and transmission risk.
Your next step
If you are worried about spreading verrucas to family members or want to get rid of a stubborn verruca safely, book a consultation with Provide Wellbeing today. Our friendly podiatry team can assess your verruca and recommend the best treatment to help you move forward with confidence.
