Can You Really Get Warts From Using Hotel Face Towels? This Is What Dermas Have To Say

Skin nightmares come in all shapes and sizes—literally. Maybe it's a sudden breakout that decides to pop up before a big day, a mysterious rash that comes out of nowhere, or those random bumps you can't quite name. But nothing prepares you for the idea of catching skin warts from (brace yourself) a hotel face towel. Yes, you read that right. Even Heart Evangelista once confessed in an Instagram Reel that she avoids hotel face towels altogether, all thanks to this exact wart horror story.

But is this fear valid? Can you really get warts from hotel towels? We spoke to dermatologists so you don't have to go full germophobe on your next vacay:

Skin warts are often accompanied by myths, like the classic "you'll get them if you touch a frog," largely because many people don't actually know what causes them or how they spread.

According to Dr. Patricia Pastrana-Mabanta, warts (also called verruca vulgaris) are viral infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be contagious under certain conditions.

"It can spread through direct skin contact and potentially via shared objects, especially in moist environments like swimming pools or shower floors," Dr. Patricia shared.

While skin-to-skin contact is the most common way that warts spread, Dr. Krizia Ty of KT Dermatology points out that it is possible to contract them from "infected fomites or inanimate objects that have come into contact with someone who has warts," like, say, hotel towels. Oof.

"Although this form of transmission is rare, hotel face towels can possibly transmit them only if they were not washed properly or changed prior to use. But if they were thoroughly washed with laundry detergent or bleach and dried under the sun or heat-dried, these should be enough to inactivate the virus and prevent transmission," Dr. Krizia explained.

While it’s comforting to know towel-to-skin wart transmission is rare, dermatologists say it's still worth being cautious.

Dr. Katrina Kashmyr Kua-Uy of Kash Dermatology explains that warts are stubborn little things and can stand the test of time. 

"They are resistant to heat and desiccation. They are inhibited by temperatures above 56°C for one hour, and complete inactivation of the virus genome requires 100°C by boiling," Dr. Katrina explained. 

"So when hotel towels are not autoclaved or subject to over 60 degrees high temperature for at least an hour, the risk of contracting HPV infection from these objects is present," she added. 

In other words, a quick wash in lukewarm water won't cut it. Proper laundering and disinfection, combined with thorough cleaning agents and heat drying, is the key to making towels safer for the next user.

Dr. Katrina adds that even if the virus is present, certain factors still have to be met for transmission to happen. 

"If the conditions for transmission of the virus are met, i.e., microabrasions, macerations, or small breaks in skin integrity plus skin-to-skin contact or with infected fomites, then yes, hotel face towels can function as inanimate objects that can transmit human papillomavirus infection," she added. 

If the thought of sharing hotel towels still gives you the ick, there are practical ways to protect yourself. Dr. Maria Sison-Evangelista recommends a few simple but effective habits:

Remember: These tips aren't just reserved for when you stay in hotels. They can help prevent warts and other skin infections in everyday life, from the gym, and even in your own home.