Can You Get Infected by Warts After Cryotherapy? Risks and Prevention

Plantar warts after cryotherapy?

I would like to ask if it is possible to get an infection on the skin from liquid that comes into contact with warts.
On the evening of May 8th (around 9 PM), I went to a small clinic for cryotherapy, and on May 13th, I noticed that the skin around the wart had raised significantly.
This wart has been present for about 10 years; when I was younger, I didn’t understand it and it neither grew larger nor spread to other areas.
My elders only told me it was a corn and advised me not to worry.
Recently, after seeing a doctor, I learned that it is a viral wart, and I have noticed that the surrounding area has started to grow, approximately the size of the first joint of my thumb (referring to the size of the blackened area after cryotherapy).

Between May 8th and May 13th, the area around the plantar wart first turned completely black, then white, and by the evening of the 13th (around 10-11 PM), the entire area had raised.
Because the plantar wart had a hole that had broken open, after showering, I used my hand, covered with two or three layers of tissue paper, to tear off the raised part of the plantar wart (which was almost painless).
There was a blister underneath the raised wart, and when I pressed and removed the skin with the wart, a lot of liquid came out, which was red (possibly the fluid from the blister, but I’m not sure).
I felt that my thumb had touched some of it, but I was using one to two layers of tissue paper as a barrier, although my fingers felt slightly damp.

So, will my thumb get infected? (There are no obvious wounds on my finger, but during the removal process, I felt a slight pain on the side of my thumb, possibly from rubbing too hard.
However, I didn’t feel anything when applying iodine, and there was no broken skin or bleeding.) After I finished the removal, I washed my hands and applied iodine for several seconds before washing my hands with soap.
The entire process of removing the plantar wart took about ten minutes, and I’m worried that during this time, the liquid could have penetrated my skin and caused an infection.

I am very concerned that I might infect others if I touch the liquid or the wart and then come into contact with friends the next day or later, touching any part of their bodies.
How can I prevent this? Also, after removing the skin, there are still blisters underneath.
If I disinfect with a cotton swab dipped in iodine and then cover it with waterproof tape, will that prevent the wart from getting infected? When the wart is not visibly present, can it still infect others? I apologize for the lengthy message; I am quite anxious.
Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to me seriously.

Qiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/13

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

The fluid under a blister is not infectious.
Warts can potentially infect others when they are not visibly present, but the likelihood is low.

Reply Date: 2017/05/13

More Info

Warts, particularly those caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can be a source of concern when it comes to transmission and infection, especially after undergoing treatments like cryotherapy. Let’s break down your questions and concerns regarding the risk of infection and how to prevent it.

Understanding the Risks of Infection
1. Contact with Wart Fluid: After cryotherapy, warts can produce fluid, which may contain the virus. If you touched this fluid with your finger, even if there was a barrier like tissue, there is a potential risk of transferring the virus to your skin. However, the risk of infection through intact skin is relatively low. HPV typically requires direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes to establish an infection.

2. Injury During Wart Removal: You mentioned that while removing the wart, you felt some pain on the side of your thumb, which could indicate minor trauma. If there was any break in the skin, this could increase the risk of infection. However, since you did not observe any bleeding or open wounds, the risk remains low, especially after you washed your hands and applied antiseptic.

3. Transmission to Others: Warts are contagious, but they are not highly transmissible. The virus can be spread through direct contact with the wart or indirectly through surfaces that have been in contact with the wart. If you have not developed any visible warts on your thumb or elsewhere, the risk of transmitting the virus to friends through casual contact is minimal. However, it’s always wise to maintain good hygiene practices.

Prevention Measures
1. Hygiene Practices: After any procedure involving warts, it’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Using an antiseptic like iodine is a good practice, especially after handling the area around the wart. This helps reduce the risk of any potential viral transmission.

2. Covering the Area: After removing the wart and if there are still blood blisters or open areas, covering them with a waterproof bandage can help protect the area from external contaminants and reduce the risk of infection. Ensure that the area is clean and dry before applying the bandage.

3. Avoiding Direct Contact: Until the area has healed completely, avoid direct contact with others, especially if you notice any fluid or if the area is still healing. This is particularly important in communal settings like gyms or pools, where HPV can spread more easily.

4. Monitoring for Symptoms: Keep an eye on the area where the wart was removed. If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

5. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If you have ongoing concerns about the potential for infection or if you notice new warts developing, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist. They can provide guidance on further treatment options and preventive measures.

Conclusion
In summary, while there is a theoretical risk of infection from handling wart fluid, the actual risk is relatively low, especially if you practiced good hygiene. The most effective way to prevent the spread of HPV is through proper care of the affected area, maintaining cleanliness, and avoiding direct contact with others until you are sure the area has healed. If you have any further concerns or if symptoms develop, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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