Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin and triggers localised overgrowth. They are harmless in most cases but highly contagious. At London Wart Clinic, we often see patients who picked up warts in gyms, swimming pools, or from close contact with family members.
Understanding how warts spread, and how to prevent them, helps protect yourself and others.
How Warts Spread
HPV is passed on when the virus enters small breaks in the skin. This can happen in several ways:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact — shaking hands or touching an affected area.
- Indirect contact — virus survives on surfaces such as towels, floors, or gym equipment.
- Autoinoculation — spreading warts to other areas of your own body (e.g. shaving over a wart).
Studies show HPV can survive on damp surfaces for days, explaining why communal showers and swimming pool floors are common sites of infection.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop warts, but certain groups are more vulnerable:
| Risk Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Children and teenagers | Higher rates due to school swimming, sports, and close contact. Up to 33% of UK schoolchildren develop warts at some point. |
| Athletes & gym users | Exposure to shared mats, showers, and changing rooms. |
| People with cuts or abrasions | HPV enters more easily through broken skin. |
| Weakened immune system | Greater difficulty clearing HPV naturally. |
How to Stop Warts Spreading
Prevention requires breaking the chain of infection:
- Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes.
- Wear flip-flops in communal showers or poolside areas.
- Cover warts with plasters or bandages during sports.
- Don’t pick or scratch warts — this spreads the virus.
- Wash hands regularly after touching a wart or applying treatment.
For children with verrucas, many schools in the UK recommend covering them with a swim sock during lessons to reduce the risk of transmission.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
If warts are spreading, painful, or not responding to pharmacy treatments, medical options may be needed:
- Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freezing)
- Cautery (burning with heat under local anaesthetic)
- Laser removal
- Surgical excision for resistant cases
At London Wart Clinic, our private doctors provide safe and effective wart removal, helping reduce the risk of warts spreading further.