HomeAnswersDermatologygenital wartsCan HPV transmit by touching contaminated surfaces?

What are the chances of getting the wart virus by touching a hard surface?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At February 28, 2021
Reviewed AtAugust 31, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

What are the chances of getting the wart virus by touching a hard surface?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Do you use any old razors? Do you have excess scratching and rubbing of lesion? Are the lesions painful or tender to touch? Any oozing from the lesion? Do you have any history of fever, diabetes, thyroid issue, hypertension? Do you have drug history or drug allergies? Are you sexually active? Answer the questions for details.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I used to have a habit of using razors more than a few times. No pain, no itching, no oozing, which is why it took me so long to notice them. No fever nor diabetes. No thyroid issues or hypertension. No drug use or drug allergies. I am married, so yes, I am sexually active, but my husband never had any bumps. I do have HPV (human papillomavirus) though.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since when it appeared? Can you provide your sexual history details? Attach serological testing reports to confirm the antigenic strain of the HPV virus, whether it is a benign lesion (HPV 6 and HPV 11) or a cancerous wart (HPV 16 or HPV 18). As per the center for disease control guidelines, Podophyllin is applied by the physician in the office with a cotton swab twice daily for three days followed by four days of no therapy (Total four sessions) until the lesion heals. Any unsafe sexual practices? Answer the questions for details.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

We do not engage in unsafe sexual practices. I mentioned I have HPV. I request you to take a look at the picture and give your opinion.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Based on the photo (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it is a sessile genital wart (a variant is a flat-topped papule). Skin biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis (histopathology will show mature squamous cells with large clear perinuclear zone and smudgy nuclei). Spontaneous regression occurs in 10 to 15 percent of cases. Use Podophyllotoxin cream or 0.5 percent solution or 0.15 percent cream twice daily for three days followed by four days gap for three cycles or use Immunomodulator with 5 percent Imiquimod cream three times per week every other night for a maximum of 16 weeks will help. Vaccines are also available these days. Any Drug history or drug allergies? Any Serological test, PAP smear, Acetowhite tests done? Sometimes bleeding? Any ulceration? Do you have a secondary bacterial infection? Details should be answered before starting any treatment.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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