Plantar Warts: Transmission Risks and Concerns

Ichthyosis, viral warts

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask you a few questions.
About two weeks ago, my husband mentioned that he has a hard, raised area on the sole of his foot that feels like thickened skin, and there is a dark spot in the center.
Additionally, there is a small area next to it that looks like a bruise and feels flat.
At that time, we didn't think much of it.
A few days ago, we had intimate relations, and later I researched online and found that a dark spot on the sole could be a viral wart.
I would like to ask:
1.
Based on what I found online, can intimate contact, or touching his used nail clippers or sharing towels lead to transmission? Am I at risk of being infected by my husband? I am particularly concerned because I have previously undergone a liver transplant.

2.
Is there a possibility that other family members have also been infected by my husband?
3.
Is there a risk of transmission through shared meals?
4.
Can saliva transmit the virus? My husband has poor hygiene habits and often digs in his nose without washing his hands; could this also lead to transmission?
5.
If my husband’s blanket comes into contact with his foot, and someone else touches that blanket or sleeps in the same bed, is there a risk of transmission?
6.
Do plantar warts only appear on the body and limbs?
7.
Is there a possibility for them to appear in the oral cavity, vagina, or anus?

Wenwen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/20

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

1.
Uncertain, it depends on observation.

2.
No.

3.
No.

4.
There is a possibility, but the chances are low.

5.
Yes, but the chances are low.

6.
The probability is very small.

Reply Date: 2019/06/20

More Info

Plantar warts, also known as verrucae plantaris, are benign growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically appear on the soles of the feet and can be characterized by a hard, rough surface with a central black dot, which represents small blood vessels. Your concerns about transmission and potential infection are valid, especially considering your history of liver transplantation, which may compromise your immune system.

1. Transmission Risks: Plantar warts are primarily transmitted through direct contact with the virus, which can occur in communal areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers where the virus thrives in warm, moist environments. The virus can enter the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin. While intimate contact, such as sexual activity, can theoretically transmit the virus, it is less common for plantar warts to spread this way compared to other types of warts that appear on the genitals or other areas of the body.

2. Personal Risk: Given that you had intimate contact with your husband after he developed the wart, there is a possibility that you could have been exposed to the virus. However, the likelihood of developing a wart depends on various factors, including your immune response and whether you have any breaks in your skin that would allow the virus to enter.

3. Family Exposure: The risk of transmission to other family members is also present, especially if they come into contact with surfaces or items that have been in contact with the wart. Sharing personal items like nail clippers or towels can increase the risk of spreading the virus.

4. Dining Together: Sharing meals does not pose a significant risk for transmitting plantar warts, as the virus is not spread through saliva or food. However, maintaining good hygiene practices is essential to minimize any risk of transmission.

5. Hygiene Practices: Your husband's hygiene habits, such as not washing his hands after touching his face or feet, could potentially contribute to the spread of the virus. It is crucial for him to practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

6. Bedding and Close Contact: If your husband’s feet come into contact with bedding or if you share a bed, there is a potential risk of transmission, especially if the wart is shedding viral particles. It is advisable to wash bedding regularly and consider using separate towels to minimize this risk.

7. Location of Warts: Plantar warts typically occur on the feet, but HPV can cause warts in other areas of the body, including the hands, face, and genital regions. However, it is uncommon for plantar warts to spread to the mouth, vagina, or anus. Different strains of HPV are responsible for different types of warts, and the strain that causes plantar warts is generally not the same as those that cause genital warts.

In summary, while there is a risk of transmission of plantar warts through direct contact and shared items, the likelihood of developing warts depends on individual susceptibility and immune response. It is advisable for your husband to seek treatment for the plantar wart, which may include topical treatments, cryotherapy, or other methods to remove the wart and reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices and monitoring for any signs of warts in yourself or other family members is essential. If you have concerns about your health, especially given your medical history, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential screening is recommended.

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