Are Warts Contagious?


Warts are benign (not cancerous) skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). You are more likely to get one of these viruses if you cut or damage your skin in some way. Wart viruses are contagious.

Avoid spreading warts by:

  • Not rubbing or scratching your wart
  • Keeping the wart covered with a bandage, tape, etc.
  • Never brushing, combing, shaving or clipping areas with warts
  • Washing your hands immediately after touching your wart

Warts are very common and you may get a wart at one time or another. But don’t worry, Compound W® is available so you can treat warts at home and get back to looking and feeling great.