The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is contracted during intercourse.
 
Intimate physical contact, intense caressing, or vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse can all spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are brought on by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. However, according to specialists, the virus that causes warts and several types of cancer can be contracted even by going barefoot in public places like gyms or near swimming pools. With more than 100 varieties, HPV is a widespread virus that may infect many body areas, including strains that cause warts on the data-face, hands, and feet.
Aside from your rectum and anus, about 30 strains of HPV damage your genitals, including your vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, and scrotum. Skin-to-skin contact, most frequently during sexual activity, is how HPV is spread. On the other hand, HPV causes plantar warts to develop in the outermost layer of skin on the foot soles. When the virus enters the foot through small incisions, fractures, or weak places, warts form. Warts can persist for several years in adults and a few months to two years in youngsters if treatment is not received.
 
Dr. Myro Figura, an anesthesiologist from Los Angeles, said on his instagram account, "Is it possible to contract HPV without engaging in sexual activity?" "The most common method to get it is to walk barefoot in the gym. The most typical manifestation of HPV is a wart on your finger or foot, and it may spread anywhere there is human-to-human contact," he continued. Only a small percentage of the more than 100 different types of HPV that are known to exist create warts on the foot, according to Dr. Figura. Warts on other parts of your skin or mucous membranes are more likely to be caused by different forms of HPV.
 
Transmission of the Virus
According to experts, everyone's immune system uniquely reacts to HPV, and not everyone who comes into touch with it will get warts. Even members of the same family have diverse responses to the virus. Dr. Figura claims that because the HPV strains that cause plantar warts are not very infectious, direct contact between people does not readily transfer them. However, because it prefers warm, humid environments, you might contract the virus by going barefoot near swimming pools or locker rooms. More warts might appear if the virus spreads from the initial infection location.
What are the risk factors for warts?

Even though anyone can develop plantar warts, this type of wart is more likely to affect:
Children and teenagers
People with weak immune systems
People who have had plantar warts before
People who walk barefoot in areas where a wart-causing virus is common, such as locker rooms and swimming pools
Ways to prevent warts
To help avoid plantar warts:

• Keep warts, including your own, away from direct touch.
• Carefully wash your hands after handling a wart.
• Make sure your feet are dry and clean.
• When entering locker rooms, gym showers, or swimming pools, wear sandals or other foot protection.
• Avoid picking or scratching warts.
• Choose a nail clipper, pumice stone, or emery board that you don't use on your healthy skin and nails while applying it to your warts.