Prevention

To reduce your risk of common warts:

• Avoid direct contact with warts. This includes your own warts.
• Don't pick at warts. Picking may spread the virus.
• Don't use the same emery board, pumice stone or nail clipper on your warts as you use on your healthy skin and nails. Use a disposable emery board.
• Don't bite your fingernails. Warts occur more often in skin that has been broken. Nibbling the skin around your fingernails opens the door for the virus.
• Groom with care. And avoid brushing, clipping or shaving areas that have warts. If you must shave, use an electric razor.