Well since the topic of washrooms came up in another forum I figured this would be approtriate..

When using a comune washroom/showers/bath tub situation make sure you keep something on you feet, PLanters Wart are a real pain in the ass and very contagious, I had the unfortunate experience of catching these little buggers when I was in camp in like 1987. Any way here is the info:

What are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are a common skin infection that occurs on the bottom side of your foot. They often spread to other areas of the foot, increase in size, and multiply.

Plantar warts are very painful and tender. They are usually rough, bumpy, and spongy. Some may be thick and scaly.

Risks?

Activities that will increase your chances of developing plantar wards are:

Using a public shower or
walking around the locker room in your bare feet
What causes Plantar Warts?

Warts are caused by a the human pappiloma virus (HPV). The HPV virus enters the body through a break in the skin. The virus grows in warm, moist environments, such as those created in a locker room or in your shoes when your feet perspire and the moisture is trapped.

What do Plantar Warts look like?

Plantar warts are gray or brown and have a center with one or more dark pinpoints. The dark pinpoints are tiny capillaries that supply blood to the wart.

Most times, the portion of the plantar wart under the skin is at least twice as big as the part you can see.

Can Plantar Warts be Treated?

Yes. There are several different treatments for Plantar Warts. Your doctor can trim the wart and a topical prescribe medicine that will make the wart disappear. The medicine must be applied regularly until the entire wart is dissolved. It may take several weeks for the wart to completely disappear.

Some of the most common treatments are:

Topical treatment: Cream treatment applied directly on the wart.
Acid Treatment: Acid is used to burn them off. A mild acid is applied topically to the wart.
Cryotherapy: Freezing warts with a very cold solution.
Laser Treatment: Doctors can use lasers to kill the virus.
Debridement: Removing the wart with a scalpel.
If left untreated, plantar warts may grow up to an inch in circumference and may spread into clusters.

Can Plantar Warts be Prevented

Yes. Some common ways to prevent plantar warts are:

Wear shower thongs or sandals when you use a public locker room or shower.
Use foot powders and change your socks frequently to keep the feet dry.

info from www.mamashealth.com

MMmm.. YUCK - but good advice! Thanks :)

Now I don't feel so paranoid always carrying flip-flops and anti-fungal spray with me...

^
I know what you mean about the flip flops. You feel a bit dorky bringing them into the shower...but unless you want something "thick & scaly" on the bottom of your foot they're a great idea. Usually flip flops are pretty cheap too. I got a cool pair of Columbia ones at a shoe store for $10 :thumbup: