Hello doctor, I recently underwent a laparoscopic surgery for cauliflower ear, and I would like to ask a few questions..?
Hello Dr.
Ke, I recently underwent anal electrosurgery, and my doctor decisively stated that sharing a washing machine could lead to transmission, and that accidentally touching the affected area and then touching other parts of the body could also transmit the virus.
He mentioned that the pathogen could remain in the body for a lifetime.
This differs somewhat from the articles I’ve read here and other educational materials from different doctors, so I would like to understand your perspective.
Question 1: I found that sharing a washing machine (due to dehydration or other reasons) does not lead to transmission, but my doctor insisted that even if the virus dies outside the body, skin flakes must be considered, so he advised me to wash separately (I’ve been hand washing my clothes at home these past few days).
Can you confirm if transmission can really occur through a shared washing machine? If it cannot, can I wash underwear together with other clothes?
Question 2: Educational materials state that heat can effectively kill the virus (which aligns with my doctor’s advice), so I was told to ensure my clothes are dried after washing.
However, I don’t have time to constantly use an external dryer; is it acceptable to simply air dry them on the balcony? If drying is necessary, how long do you recommend for the drying process?
Question 3: My doctor mentioned that if I accidentally touch the affected area, even without bodily fluids, I could still transmit the virus by touching other parts of my body unless I wash the touched area immediately.
He also said that even though anal warts are mucosal, they can infect non-mucosal areas (even without wounds).
I found that mucosal infections typically only affect mucosal surfaces, while regular skin infections are of a different type.
Is the transmission really that high? I’ve been washing my hands constantly and am still worried about accidentally touching the affected area, which is why I’ve been avoiding my parents.
Question 4: My doctor said that once infected, I would be a lifelong carrier, but he advised me to view warts as a skin condition, suggesting that I can simply undergo treatment when they flare up.
He also mentioned that the optimistic statements in educational materials about the possibility of clearing the virus within 3 months or 2 years are overly hopeful, and he prefers a more conservative outlook.
I would appreciate your clarification on this matter.
Question 5: I have always used condoms, but I learned that they do not prevent warts.
After the electrosurgery, how long should I wait before engaging in sexual activity?
Question 6: My warts are located around and inside the anus.
My doctor said they were detected in time, so the electrosurgery process was quick.
I am worried that there may be deeper warts in the anal canal, as well as concerns about potential infections in my mouth and eyes.
My doctor indicated that if I have other infected areas, they would flare up as well, but if not, I can be reassured.
Is this accurate? What tests can be done to check for this? I apologize for bothering you without a consultation, but I have sought another doctor who was not very friendly.
I really need to hear more professional answers.
Thank you for taking the time to address my questions; I greatly appreciate it.
Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/07
Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
1.
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease that primarily occurs at the junction of mucous membranes and skin, specifically on the male foreskin, glans, and coronal sulcus, and on the female labia, vagina, clitoris, or cervix.
Genital warts are caused by a viral infection, but the virus dies naturally outside the human body within a short period.
The likelihood of contracting genital warts through sexual contact is over 90%.
Other potential sources of infection include direct contact with contaminated towels, toilets, or other instruments at the aforementioned sites.
There is no evidence to suggest that sharing a washing machine leads to cross-infection.
2.
The notion that heat can eliminate the virus refers to the thermal energy produced during electrosurgery on skin tissue.
Generally, viruses die approximately 30 minutes after leaving the human body.
3.
Both genital warts and flat warts are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), but they are different subtypes, so they do not typically cause infections in other areas.
However, it is possible to be infected with two different types of HPV simultaneously.
4.
It is generally accepted that if there is no recurrence within two years after treatment, the individual is considered cured and is not regarded as an asymptomatic carrier.
5.
After electrosurgery, sexual activity can resume once the wound has healed, but practicing safe sex is a fundamental requirement.
6.
If no lesions are visible, no further testing is necessary.
The oral cavity and eyes are not typically affected by HPV; instead, herpes viruses are more likely to infect these areas.
If there are suspected lesions, monitoring and follow-up for a period of time is recommended.
Reply Date: 2018/09/07
More Info
After undergoing electrosurgery for anal warts, it is understandable to have numerous concerns regarding post-operative care, potential risks, and the possibility of transmission of the virus responsible for the warts. Here, I will address your questions based on current medical knowledge and practices.
Question 1: Transmission through Shared Laundry Facilities
Your doctor's advice about avoiding shared laundry facilities is rooted in caution, but the risk of transmission through laundry is generally considered low. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes warts, does not survive long outside the human body. While it is theoretically possible for HPV to be present on clothing or surfaces, the likelihood of transmission through shared washing machines is minimal. However, if you feel more comfortable hand-washing your clothes for peace of mind, that is perfectly acceptable. As for washing underwear together, it is generally safe to wash them with other clothing, provided that you maintain good hygiene practices.
Question 2: Drying Clothes After Washing
Heat can indeed kill viruses, including HPV. If you do not have access to a dryer, air drying your clothes in a sunny area is a good alternative, as UV rays can also help reduce viral load. While there is no specific time requirement for drying clothes, ensuring they are completely dry before wearing them is essential. If you can, try to expose them to sunlight for several hours to maximize the disinfecting effect.
Question 3: Risk of Infection from Contact
Your doctor’s caution about touching the affected area and then touching other parts of your body is understandable, especially in the context of HPV. While it is true that HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, it is less common for it to spread from non-mucosal areas to mucosal areas without direct contact. Maintaining good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly after any contact with the affected area, is crucial. If you are particularly concerned, consider using gloves when applying topical treatments or cleaning the area.
Question 4: Understanding HPV and Its Management
HPV can indeed remain in the body for a long time, and while some individuals may clear the virus naturally, others may not. Your doctor’s perspective on treating it as a manageable skin condition is practical. Regular monitoring and treatment of any new lesions are essential. The notion that HPV can be cleared within a few years is optimistic but varies significantly among individuals. It is important to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about your specific case and any concerns you may have.
Question 5: Resuming Sexual Activity
Regarding sexual activity post-surgery, it is generally advisable to wait until you have fully healed, which can take several weeks. Your healthcare provider can give you a more precise timeline based on your recovery progress. Using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but as you noted, they do not provide complete protection against HPV.
Question 6: Concerns About Other Infections
If your doctor has indicated that the warts were detected early and treated promptly, that is a positive sign. However, if you have concerns about potential lesions in other areas, such as the mouth or eyes, it is advisable to discuss these with your healthcare provider. They may recommend specific examinations or referrals to specialists if necessary.
In summary, while it is natural to feel anxious after surgery, understanding the nature of HPV and following proper hygiene practices can help mitigate risks. Always feel free to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns, as they can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current condition.
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