Plantar Warts and Bed Sheets (2024)

Plantar Warts and Bed Sheets (1)

If you have ever had a case of plantar warts before, you know that they are a pernicious kind of growth that can form in response to contracting the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. Since this foot condition can be spread through contact due to HPV, there is a possibility that warts can be spread through an infected person’s contact with bed sheets. For example, someone who struggles with plantar warts might be worried that they could spread their plantar warts to another part of their body or to their partner who sleeps in the same bed through bed sheets. For this reason, someone with a case of plantar warts might consider washing their bed sheets thoroughly and letting them properly dry to help prevent the spread of the HPV. In addition, the individual might consider protecting the infected area of their feet by wrapping it in a bandage. Doing this will prevent the wart from making direct contact with other parts of the body or other people. Contact a podiatrist today if you struggle with plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar Warts and Bed Sheets (2024)

FAQs

Plantar Warts and Bed Sheets? ›

For this reason, someone with a case of plantar warts might consider washing their bed sheets thoroughly and letting them properly dry to help prevent the spread of the HPV. In addition, the individual might consider protecting the infected area of their feet by wrapping it in a bandage.

Can plantar warts spread through fabric? ›

Yes, warts are contagious because HPV is contagious. Warts can spread through direct or indirect contact. Direct contact would be touching someone else's wart or skin-to-skin contact. An example of indirect contact is using objects like towels or razors that have come into contact with a wart or HPV.

What to avoid when you have plantar warts? ›

It's also a good idea to wear comfortable socks and shoes. Avoid footwear that may put a lot of pressure on your plantar warts, such as high heels, pointed-toe shoes or flip-flops.

How to sanitize shoes after plantar warts? ›

Periodically spray shoes with disinfectant such as Lysol. This will take care of any virus living there.

Can warts spread through towels? ›

The HPV virus that causes warts can pass from person to person by close physical contact or from touching something that a person with a wart touches, like a towel, bathmat, or a shower floor.

Can warts spread on bed sheets? ›

Common warts are not very infectious with intact skin, but can be passed by people from sharing bedding, towels or when people pick at their warts, bite their nails and do not properly wash their hands.

Can you get plantar warts from sheets? ›

Since this foot condition can be spread through contact due to HPV, there is a possibility that warts can be spread through an infected person's contact with bed sheets.

What makes plantar warts worse? ›

Plantar warts are most common on the parts of the foot that receive the most pressure when you're standing or walking. Since those are two things you can't avoid, additional standing and walking increase the pressure on the wart and send it further inward, deep into your skin.

What happens if you leave plantar warts for too long? ›

If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to 1 inch in circumference and may spread into clusters called mosaic warts. In severe cases, they can cause a change in gait or posture that results in leg or back pain–our job is to make sure that doesn't happen.

Should I keep my plantar wart covered? ›

Prevention of Spread to Others

Reason: Warts can spread in warm water. Also, avoid sharing washcloths or towels. Contact sports: Warts can spread to other team members. Warts should be covered or treated.

Can I spray Lysol in shoes? ›

According to wiki how: You can use an antibacterial spray, such as Lysol or Clorox, to disinfect the inside of your shoes. [7] Spray the entire insides of your shoes, and allow your shoes to dry completely before putting them on. Using an antibacterial spray will disinfect your shoes and help eliminate bad odors.

Should I wear socks with plantar warts? ›

Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Avoid high heels or shoes that put a lot of pressure on your foot. Pad the wart with doughnut-shaped felt or a moleskin patch.

How long does the plantar wart virus live in shoes? ›

In fact, it's been known to live on surfaces for up to six months, just waiting for another foot to come along.

Can you get HPV from bedsheets? ›

HPV infection can be detected on inanimate objects, such as clothing or environmental surfaces. However, transmission is not known to occur by this route.

When is a wart no longer contagious? ›

After a treatment, the skin will blister or get irritated and eventually slough off. That skin is dead and so is the virus within it so it isn't contagious anymore.

Can warts virus live on fabric? ›

As stated earlier, the water wart virus can live and survive on inanimate objects and will remain on surfaces such as clothing, gym equipment, towels, among other types of surfaces for some time. So, by coming in close contact with any infected item or object you'll potentially become infected.

Do I need to cover my plantar warts to prevent spreading it? ›

In general, no matter which treatment you try, do these two things: Cover the wart to help prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people. Wash your hands after touching the wart.

Can warts be spread by clothing? ›

Are Warts Contagious? Unfortunately, yes. You can get warts from touching a wart on someone else's body, or by coming in contact with surfaces that touched someone's warts, such as towels or bathmats.

When is a plantar wart no longer contagious? ›

After a treatment, the skin will blister or get irritated and eventually slough off. That skin is dead and so is the virus within it so it isn't contagious anymore.

Can plantar warts spread in shoes? ›

Symptoms. Contrary to the old folk tale, you can't get warts from touching a toad. Warts are caused by a virus that enters the body through a break in the skin. The virus grows in warm, moist environments, such as those created in a locker room or in your shoes when your feet sweat and moisture is trapped.

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