Last Updated on 02/04/2025 by Liz @ HealthTenfold
Disclaimer – This website contains Amazon affiliate links. As an affiliate, we may earn a commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you
1. Introduction
Warts are a common yet often misunderstood skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These small, rough growths can appear anywhere on the body, causing both physical discomfort and self-consciousness. Despite their prevalence, many people wonder: why do people get warts? Is it poor hygiene? Bad luck? Or something more complex?
The truth is, warts are caused by a viral infection, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can be picked up through skin contact, contaminated surfaces, or even minor cuts and abrasions. But not everyone exposed to HPV develops warts—some people seem naturally resistant while others struggle with persistent outbreaks.
Understanding why people get warts is the first step in preventing and treating them effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind wart formation, the role of HPV, risk factors that make some people more vulnerable, and ways to prevent or remove warts naturally.
Warts are not merely a cosmetic concern; they reveal important insights into immune function, viral transmission, and skin health. So, why do people get warts? Let’s uncover the answer.
2. What Are Warts?
Warts are benign skin growths caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear when the virus enters the outer layer of the skin, triggering an overgrowth of cells. While they are non-cancerous, warts can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, depending on their location.
Warts vary in size, shape, and texture. Some are small and rough, while others are flat and smooth. Their color can range from flesh-toned to dark brown or gray. Though commonly found on the hands and feet, warts can develop anywhere on the body, including the face, legs, and even the genitals.
Different Types of Warts
Not all warts are the same. There are several types, each with distinct characteristics:
- Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris):
- Rough, grainy, and dome-shaped.
- Usually appear on the hands, fingers, and knees.
- Plantar Warts:
- Found on the soles of the feet.
- Often grow inward due to pressure, causing pain while walking.
- Flat Warts (Verruca Plana):
- Smaller, smoother, and flatter than other types.
- Common on the face, neck, hands, and legs.
- Filiform Warts:
- Long, thread-like warts that grow around the mouth, nose, or neck.
- Can spread quickly due to facial contact.
- Genital Warts:
- A sexually transmitted form of warts caused by specific HPV strains.
- Appear as small, flesh-colored bumps in the genital or anal region.
- Periungual and Subungual Warts:
- Grow around or under fingernails and toenails.
- Can be painful and affect nail growth.
Since HPV has over 100 strains, different types of warts are linked to different strains of the virus. However, all warts originate from HPV, leading many to ask, why do people get warts in the first place? The answer lies in how the virus spreads and who is most vulnerable to infection. Find the product here.
Most recommended:
H-Warts formula
Manufactured by Natural Healing Oils.
Check the great reviews. Only pure oils, no additives.
3. The Role of HPV: The Root Cause of Warts
Warts may seem like a minor skin issue, but at their core, they are the result of a viral infection. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the sole culprit behind wart formation, and understanding its role helps answer the question: why do people develop warts?
What is HPV?
HPV is a large family of viruses, with over 100 different strains identified. While some HPV strains cause warts, others are linked to more serious conditions, such as cervical cancer. However, the strains that trigger common warts are harmless, affecting only the outer layers of the skin.
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. Because of its highly contagious nature, the virus is easily transmitted in public areas like swimming pools, gym equipment, and shared towels. However, not everyone exposed to HPV develops warts, which leads to another important question:
How Does HPV Cause Wart Formation?
HPV infects the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) through tiny cuts, abrasions, or weak spots in the skin barrier. Once inside, the virus stimulates rapid cell multiplication, leading to the formation of warts.
Here’s how it happens:
- HPV enters through a break in the skin. This could be a minor scratch, a bitten fingernail, or even softened skin from prolonged moisture exposure.
- The virus takes over skin cells. HPV hijacks the normal growth cycle of skin cells, forcing them to grow more rapidly than usual.
- A wart forms. The infected skin thickens and develops the rough, raised appearance characteristic of warts.
Since HPV remains dormant in some cases, people may carry the virus without developing visible warts. This is where immune system differences come into play.
Why Do Only Some People Get Warts?
If HPV is so widespread, why do some people get warts while others don’t? The answer lies in immune system response.
- Strong immune systems can recognize and suppress HPV before it causes warts.
- Weakened immune systems (due to stress, illness, or immunosuppressive medications) struggle to fight the virus, making wart formation more likely.
- Children and teenagers are more prone to warts because their immune systems are still developing.
- People with frequent skin injuries (e.g., athletes, nail biters, or those who shave often) have an increased risk due to repeated micro-cuts.
Find the product here.
Most recommended:
H-Warts formula
Manufactured by Natural Healing Oils.
Check the great reviews. Only pure oils, no additives.
Common HPV Strains That Cause Warts
Different HPV strains are responsible for different types of warts. The most common include:
- HPV-1, HPV-2, and HPV-4: Cause plantar warts (foot warts).
- HPV-3 and HPV-10: Cause flat warts, often appearing on the face and hands.
- HPV-6 and HPV-11: Linked to genital warts (a sexually transmitted form of HPV).
- HPV-7: Found in butchers or those who frequently handle raw meat, causing warts on the hands.
By understanding which strains cause warts and how HPV operates, we gain deeper insight into why people get warts in the first place. The next step is to explore the risk factors that increase susceptibility to wart infections. Find the product here.
Most recommended:
H-Warts formula
Manufactured by Natural Healing Oils.
Check the great reviews. Only pure oils, no additives.
4. How Do People Get Infected with HPV?
Understanding how HPV spreads is key to answering what triggers the appearance of warts? Since HPV is a highly contagious virus, it can be transmitted in multiple ways, often without people realizing they’ve been exposed. Below, we break down the most common routes of infection.
Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact
One of the primary ways HPV spreads is through direct physical contact with an infected person.
- Shaking hands with someone who has warts on their fingers or palms can transfer the virus if you have any small cuts or cracks in your skin.
- Touching an infected area, even casually, can expose you to HPV, especially if you then touch your own skin before washing your hands.
- Children and teenagers are more likely to get warts due to frequent physical contact while playing.
Because HPV can remain on the skin without visible warts, a person can spread the virus without even knowing they have it.
HPV doesn’t just spread through person-to-person contact—it can linger on surfaces for hours or even days.
- Gym equipment: Weights, treadmills, and yoga mats can carry HPV if touched by someone with the virus.
- Towels and razors: Sharing these personal items increases the risk of indirect transmission, especially if they’ve come into contact with infected skin.
- Shoes and socks: Wearing someone else’s shoes can expose your feet to plantar wart-causing strains of HPV.
Because HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, these surfaces become hotspots for transmission.
Cuts and Abrasions: The Entry Points for HPV
Even though HPV is everywhere, it can’t infect healthy, unbroken skin. Instead, the virus enters through tiny openings, including:
- Small cuts or scratches from everyday activities.
- Cracked or dry skin that allows the virus to penetrate more easily.
- Hangnails and nail-biting, which expose fresh skin and increase the likelihood of HPV infection.
People who frequently touch or pick at their skin (like nail biters or those with eczema) have an increased risk of getting warts.
Shaving and Grooming Habits
Did you know shaving can spread HPV across different parts of your body?
- Facial shaving (men): If a man has a wart on his neck or jawline, shaving over it can transfer HPV to other areas of the face.
- Leg shaving (women): Small nicks from shaving can allow HPV to spread, leading to wart outbreaks on the legs.
- Body grooming (both men and women): Shaving or waxing in the underarms, bikini area, or chest can introduce HPV to new skin regions, increasing the likelihood of developing warts.
To minimize the risk, it’s important to use clean razors, avoid shaving over warts, and replace blades frequently. Find the product here.
Most recommended:
H-Warts formula
Manufactured by Natural Healing Oils.
Check the great reviews. Only pure oils, no additives.
Public Spaces: Pools, Locker Rooms, and Humid Environments
HPV thrives in warm, damp places, making certain public areas high-risk zones for infection.
- Swimming pools and showers: The combination of moisture and bare feet makes public pools and communal showers a prime location for plantar wart transmission.
- Locker rooms and gyms: HPV can linger on benches, mats, and towels, especially in places where people sweat and share equipment.
- Hotel carpets and spa floors: Walking barefoot in high-traffic areas can expose your skin to HPV.
Wearing flip-flops in public showers, keeping feet dry, and disinfecting gym equipment can reduce your risk of catching HPV in these environments.
5. Why Are Some People More Prone to Warts?
While HPV is responsible for causing warts, not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop them. Certain factors make some individuals more vulnerable to developing warts than others. Let’s explore the reasons why some people are more likely to get warts than others.
Weakened Immune System: Stress, Illness, and Poor Health
One of the main reasons why some people develop warts is because their immune systems are not functioning at full capacity. A strong immune system helps fight off infections, including HPV, while a compromised immune system leaves the body more susceptible to viral infections like warts.
- Stress: Chronic stress has a well-documented impact on the immune system. It can increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that suppresses immune response, making it easier for viruses like HPV to establish themselves.
- Illness: People with chronic illnesses or conditions that affect immune function, such as HIV, diabetes, or cancer, are more likely to develop warts due to a weakened immune response.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly immunosuppressive drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases or prevent organ rejection, can decrease immune activity, allowing HPV to thrive.
Individuals with a weakened immune system are more likely to experience persistent or recurrent warts, and these warts may be harder to treat than in those with healthy immune systems.
Children and Teens: Why Younger People Get Warts More Often
Children and teenagers are more likely to develop warts for several reasons, including their immune system and exposure to HPV.
- Developing immune systems: Children’s immune systems are still maturing, and they may not respond as effectively to HPV exposure. As a result, they are more likely to develop warts after contact with the virus.
- Frequent physical contact: Younger individuals are more likely to engage in activities that increase the chances of coming into contact with HPV. Whether it’s at school, playgrounds, or sports, they frequently interact with peers who may have warts.
- Increased skin injuries: Children’s skin is more likely to suffer small cuts and abrasions during active play, providing an entry point for HPV to invade and cause warts.
Because of these factors, children are at higher risk of developing warts, particularly in high-exposure environments like schools or daycare centers.
Frequent Exposure to HPV: Occupations and Activities That Increase Risk
Certain occupations or activities increase an individual’s exposure to HPV, making them more likely to develop warts. These are typically professions or hobbies that involve skin-to-skin contact or exposure to contaminated surfaces.
- Healthcare workers: Medical professionals, such as nurses or doctors, especially those who deal with skin conditions or wounds, are at higher risk of coming into contact with HPV-infected skin.
- Athletes: Sports involving physical contact, such as wrestling, soccer, or basketball, increase the chances of direct skin-to-skin HPV transmission.
- Swimmers: People who spend a lot of time in public pools or communal showers are at greater risk for developing plantar warts due to the moist, warm environment that favors HPV growth.
- Hairdressers and barbers: Constant contact with customers’ skin and tools can make hairstylists and barbers more susceptible to catching HPV.
People with these high-exposure activities often have a greater risk of developing warts due to increased opportunities for HPV contact.
Genetics and Skin Type: Are Some People More Prone to Warts?
While HPV plays the primary role in wart formation, genetics and skin type can influence an individual’s susceptibility.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people may have a genetic tendency to develop warts more easily. Their immune systems may have a lower natural resistance to the virus, allowing warts to form even with minimal exposure.
- Skin type: People with certain skin types, particularly those with thinner skin or increased skin fragility, might be more susceptible to HPV entering the skin and causing warts. Areas of the body prone to abrasions (like the hands, knees, and elbows) are more likely to develop warts in these individuals.
- Skin conditions: Those with eczema, psoriasis, or other dermatological conditions that compromise the skin barrier are at an increased risk. These conditions make the skin more vulnerable to HPV penetration and increase the likelihood of wart formation.
Though these factors might increase susceptibility, they don’t guarantee that someone will develop warts. However, they do play a role in making certain people more prone to them.
6. The Connection Between Warts and Lifestyle Factors
While the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of warts, certain lifestyle factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing them. These factors include hygiene habits, diet and nutrition, and chronic stress. Let’s explore how these lifestyle choices can contribute to the formation of warts. Find the product here.
Most recommended:
H-Warts formula
Manufactured by Natural Healing Oils.
Check the great reviews. Only pure oils, no additives.
Hygiene Habits: Are Warts a Sign of Poor Hygiene?
Warts themselves are not necessarily a direct result of poor hygiene, but inadequate hygiene practices can increase the likelihood of contracting HPV and developing warts. For example:
- Poor hand hygiene: Not washing hands frequently or thoroughly, especially after touching surfaces in public places (like bathroom handles, gym equipment, or swimming pool areas), can increase the chances of HPV exposure.
- Foot hygiene: Failing to properly clean and dry feet, particularly between the toes, can lead to plantar warts. HPV thrives in moist environments, and the warm, damp skin of the feet offers an ideal habitat for the virus.
- Shared personal items: Using shared towels, razors, or grooming equipment (like nail clippers) without disinfecting them can also promote the spread of HPV.
Although warts aren’t a direct indicator of poor hygiene, maintaining good hygiene practices can certainly lower the risk of HPV exposure and reduce the chances of wart formation.
Diet and Nutrition: How Vitamin Deficiencies Affect Skin Health
A balanced diet is key to maintaining a strong immune system, which plays a critical role in preventing HPV infection and wart formation. Poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, can weaken the body’s ability to fight off viral infections like HPV.
- Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C helps the body fight infections. A deficiency can impair immune function, increasing susceptibility to viral infections like HPV.
- Vitamin A: This vitamin is essential for skin health and plays a role in skin cell turnover. Low levels of vitamin A may weaken the skin’s ability to act as a barrier, making it more vulnerable to viral infections.
- Zinc: Zinc plays a role in immune health and skin repair. A deficiency can impair immune function and make the skin more susceptible to the development of warts.
Ensuring a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps provide the necessary nutrients for immune health and skin protection, lowering the risk of wart development.
Chronic Stress and Sleep Deprivation: Lower Immunity, Higher Wart Risk
Chronic stress and lack of sleep can both have a profound effect on the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to HPV infection and the development of warts.
- Chronic Stress: Stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that suppresses immune function. When the immune system is compromised, the body becomes less efficient at defending itself against infections, including HPV.
- Sleep Deprivation: Sleep is crucial for immune system regeneration. During deep sleep, the body produces cytokines, proteins that regulate immune responses. Consistently lacking sleep disrupts this process, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections like HPV.
By managing stress levels and prioritizing sufficient sleep, individuals can support their immune systems, helping to reduce the likelihood of developing warts.
8. Can You Prevent Warts?
While warts are common and often harmless, preventing them from developing in the first place is always the best approach. Thankfully, there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting warts or spreading them to others.
Boosting Immunity: Nutrition, Probiotics, and Vitamins
The immune system plays a crucial role in defending against infections, including the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes warts. People with stronger immune systems are less likely to develop warts after exposure to the virus.
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps to support the immune system. Vitamins C, D, and E are particularly beneficial for skin health and immune function. In addition, probiotics—found in foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut—help regulate immune responses, enhancing the body’s ability to combat infections like HPV.
Protecting Skin from HPV Exposure
One of the most common ways to contract HPV is through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Warts often develop on areas of the body that are exposed to frequent contact, like the hands and feet. To prevent HPV exposure:
- Avoid touching warts: If someone has warts, avoid direct contact with them.
- Wear shoes in public places: Swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms can harbor the virus, so always wear flip-flops or other footwear in these areas.
- Disinfect shared surfaces: Shared equipment, towels, and razors can all carry HPV. Disinfect these items before using them.
Safe Grooming Habits
In addition to exposure to HPV, poor grooming habits can contribute to the development of warts.
- Avoid shaving over warts: Shaving over warts can spread the virus to other areas of the skin, causing new warts to develop.
- Keep cuts and abrasions clean: Minor cuts provide an entry point for the virus. Keep these areas clean and covered to reduce your risk of infection.
By maintaining a strong immune system and practicing safe hygiene and grooming habits, you can reduce your chances of getting warts or spreading them to others.
Natural and Effective Wart Remedies
When it comes to treating warts naturally, many people seek alternatives to over-the-counter medications or invasive procedures. Nature offers a variety of remedies that can help address warts gently and effectively. One of the most reliable and all-natural treatments available is the H-Warts Formula by Amoils. Find the product here.
Amoils H-Warts Formula: A Natural Solution
The H-Warts Formula is a homeopathic treatment specifically designed to target warts. This product stands out because of its combination of 100% natural ingredients, each chosen for their healing properties. Unlike many treatments that rely on harsh chemicals, Amoils harnesses the power of nature to provide a safe and effective remedy for wart removal.
The formula includes the following key ingredients:
- Phytolacca decandra 12C: Known for its ability to stimulate the immune system, Phytolacca decandra works by enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms, allowing it to more effectively fight off the HPV virus responsible for causing warts.
- Thuja occidentalis 12C: Another homeopathic remedy, Thuja occidentalis has been traditionally used to treat skin conditions like warts and encourages the body to eliminate viral infections, reducing the growth of warts over time.
- Essential Oil Blend (Citrus limon, Melaleuca alternifolia, Thuja occidentalis): This blend of essential oils not only supports the antiviral action of the active ingredients but also has soothing properties that help reduce irritation around the wart area.
These ingredients work synergistically to tackle the root cause of warts, while promoting healthy skin and immune function.
Most recommended:
H-Warts formula
Manufactured by Natural Healing Oils.
Check the great reviews. Only pure oils, no additives.
Why Amoils Works
The effectiveness of the H-Warts Formula lies in its carefully crafted homeopathic formula, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. By using a gentle, all-natural approach, the product minimizes side effects and promotes skin regeneration without the need for harsh chemical treatments.
Results can vary, but many users report noticeable improvements within weeks of use. While natural remedies typically take longer than chemical treatments, the gradual approach offers long-term benefits, including improved overall skin health.
For those seeking an all-natural solution to warts, Amoils H-Warts Formula is a safe, effective option. Its gentle ingredients provide a holistic approach to wart removal, helping restore both the appearance and health of the skin. Find the product here.
Most recommended:
H-Warts formula
Manufactured by Natural Healing Oils.
Check the great reviews. Only pure oils, no additives.
10. Conclusion
Understanding why people get warts is key to preventing and managing this common skin condition. Warts are primarily caused by an HPV infection, which enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions. Although the virus is highly contagious, not everyone exposed to HPV will develop warts. Factors such as immune response differences, personal hygiene, and lifestyle habits can influence whether or not a person is more likely to experience wart formation.
To reduce the risk of warts, it’s important to practice good hygiene, maintain a healthy diet, manage stress, and get adequate sleep to support the immune system. Additionally, avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and using protective footwear in public spaces like pools or gyms can minimize exposure to HPV. For those prone to warts due to their genetics or immune system vulnerabilities, these preventative measures are particularly crucial.
While warts can be unsightly and occasionally bothersome, they are usually not harmful and can often be treated with over-the-counter remedies or natural treatments like the H-Warts Formula by Amoils, which supports the body’s natural immune response. In most cases, warts go away on their own over time, though treatments can speed up the process. Find the product here.
Remember, warts are common, and though they can be persistent, they are manageable. With the right lifestyle choices and preventive steps, you can reduce your risk of developing warts and promote healthy skin.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your healthcare regimen. If you have concerns about warts or any other health issue, seek the advice of a medical professional. The effectiveness of natural remedies may vary from person to person, and results are not guaranteed.