Warts are a very common viral infection that can appear anywhere on the body. They can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and even painful. The good news is that there are several ways to prevent warts from forming in the first place.

This guide will provide you with ten helpful tips to avoid getting warts.

1. Wash Your Hands Regularly

One of the easiest ways to prevent warts from forming is to wash your hands regularly. This will help get rid of any HPV (human papillomavirus) that may be present on your skin before it has a chance to infect you.

Use soap and warm water and scrub for at least twenty seconds to ensure that all the bacteria is eliminated.

2. Avoid Touching Warts

Another great way to avoid getting warts is to avoid touching them. Warts are contagious, and if you touch one with your bare hands, you run the risk of contacting the HPV virus that causes warts.

Sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or nail clippers can also increase the chance of getting warts.

The HPV virus can spread very quickly, so it’s best to avoid sharing any personal items with others, especially if someone in your household has a wart.

4. Use Foot Protection in Public Places

Public places such as swimming pools, gyms, and showers can be breeding grounds for the HPV virus that causes warts.

Related Article 30 Tips for Avoiding Warts

Protecting your feet by wearing flip flops or sandals when walking around in these areas can significantly reduce your risk of getting warts.

5. Keep Feet Dry

Warts thrive in warm, moist environments, so it’s essential to keep your feet dry if you want to prevent warts from forming. Change your socks and shoes regularly and avoid wearing wet shoes or socks for long periods.

6. Boost Immune System

A healthy immune system is better equipped to fight off the HPV virus that can cause warts. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and consume a healthy, balanced diet to boost your immune system and help prevent warts from forming.

7. Don’t Bite Your Nails

Warts can spread to other areas of the body through open cuts or wounds. Biting your nails can cause small cuts around the nail bed and increase your risk of getting warts on your fingers or around your nails.

8. Treat Warts Early

If you do get a wart, treat it immediately. The earlier you treat a wart, the less time the HPV virus has to spread. Treatment options include over-the-counter medications, cryotherapy, or surgical removal.

9. Avoid Stress

Stress can weaken your immune system, making it easier for the HPV virus to infect you. Try to avoid stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.

10. Stay Away from Infected People

This may sound obvious, but staying away from people who have warts can significantly reduce your risk of getting them yourself.

If you do come into contact with someone who has a wart, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward to remove any bacteria that may be present.