From barefoot days at the beach and flimsy sandals to hiking for hours on uneven terrain, there are lots of opportunities for foot pain when the weather is warm. One of the most common issues podiatrists see in the summer is warts, but according to the doctors at Eastern CT Foot Specialists, they are fairly preventable. 

You don’t have to give up your fun summer activities to avoid getting warts; simply follow these four tips: 

• Don’t Share:  One of the primary ways people get warts is by sharing things like razors, towels, or shoes with other people. Even if the person you’re sharing with has no visible warts, they could still carry the HPV virus, which is the cause of most warts. 
• Don’t Go Barefoot: If you’re on the beach, going barefoot is acceptable, but never go barefoot in public spaces such as locker rooms, shared showers, or swimming pool areas. Keep a pair of inexpensive flip flops in your car just in case. 
• Don’t Touch: Parents often get warts when their children get them because they instinctively touch their little ones’ infected area. If your child gets a wart, cover it up immediately with a bandage, make sure they don’t touch it, and you shouldn’t touch it either.  
• Stay Dry: Warts thrive in a damp environment. If your feet are prone to becoming sweaty, or if you spend lots of time near water, it’s worthwhile to invest in waterproof sports sandals that provide lots of ventilation. 

Getting a wart isn’t the end of the world if you treat it immediately. If you develop a wart or fungal nail, call to schedule an appointment with Eastern CT Foot Specialists at (860) 887-3538.