Are Flat Warts Contagious?

Flat warts are, as their name indicates, small and flat warts that usually appear on the face and neck. They can be pink, yellow or tan. All warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are over 60 types of HPV, and all are contagious under certain conditions.

Transmission

• Someone with HPV is the carrier, especially if the warts are open. HPV can then transmit to another person, usually through openings on their skin, by sharing food utensils or towels or through water.

Public Areas

• HPV thrives in a moist, wet environment. If a barefoot person with an open wart walks through a puddle in a public shower, the virus can stay there and wait to enter another person's scratched or cut bare feet.

Prevention

• In order to prevent the spread of HPV, warts should not be picked at so they open up. Also, all wounds on the body should be bandaged to prevent picking up HPV.

Considerations

• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults in generally good health will have immunity to HPV, even if exposed to it. People who are prone to warts include children and people with severe health problems.

Misconceptions

• HPV is only contagious to humans. A person with HPV cannot pick it up from toads or any other animal, nor can humans transmit warts to an animal, such as pets.