Flat Warts: Risks, Infection, and Prevention in Urology

Q: Flat Warts: Risks, Infection, and Prevention in Urology

Hello： 1) The book states that flat warts are commonly found on mucous membranes, but it does not indicate that they cannot occur elsewhere. <br>2) Without a clinical examination, it is difficult to provide an explanation; the likelihood is low. <br>3) If the virus is present, th

Cross-infection

Hello Doctor, I have a few final questions.

1.
The doctor mentioned that flat warts are usually found in mucosal areas.
I have researched that mucosa refers to tissues in the body such as the mouth, organs, stomach, intestines, and urethra.
Does this mean that the likelihood of flat warts occurring on general skin areas like the hands or neck is relatively low? Or are other skin conditions like common warts or verrucae vulgaris more prevalent in those areas?
2.
I am concerned because a colleague underwent cryotherapy for a wart, but the wound has not yet healed.
There is another area that appears to be a viral wart, but it is smooth on the surface and looks white inside.
My colleague grabbed my arm, which has a nearly healed cut that is just red and not bleeding.
They held my arm for about 4.5 seconds.
Should I be worried about potential infection from this?
3.
If I currently have no visible symptoms but there is a possibility of a latent infection, and I masturbate while showering and then wash my genitals afterward, can this prevent any viral warts on my hands from infecting my genitals? Or would washing immediately eliminate the risk of infection?
4.
I read online that the likelihood of viral warts on the hands infecting the genitals and causing genital warts (condyloma) is very low because the viruses that infect the hands and those that infect the genitals are different.
Is it true that the risk of transmission from hand warts to genital warts is low and not easily occurring?
5.
The doctor mentioned that when there are no visible symptoms, the viral load is significantly lower.
Therefore, if I come into contact with the virus when there are no symptoms, the risk of infection is very low due to insufficient viral load.
Is that correct?
6.
So, if there are no visible symptoms on my hands, the chance of transmitting the virus to my genitals during masturbation would be extremely low and unlikely, correct?
7.
Additionally, I would like to ask about the symptoms of HIV.
Is it possible for warts associated with HIV to be large in size? Or would the infected areas typically be in mucosal regions?
8.
The doctor said that viral warts are usually monitored for three months.
If there are no viral warts on my hands after three months, does that significantly reduce the risk of infection?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/22

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) The book states that flat warts are commonly found on mucous membranes, but it does not indicate that they cannot occur elsewhere.
2) Without a clinical examination, it is difficult to provide an explanation; the likelihood is low.
3) If the virus is present, there is a possibility of infection, but it is a matter of probability; washing can help remove or reduce the virus.
4) There is a possibility, but it is rare.
5) A low viral load makes transmission less likely.
6) The main factor is whether there is enough virus to cause infection; a lower amount means a lower chance.
7) HIV is transmitted through sexual contact; please refer to safe sex practices and get tested through blood work.
Warts and HIV are two different conditions that can occur in the same individual.
Your hypothetical questions cannot be answered.
8) Yes.

Reply Date: 2019/08/22

More Info

Flat warts, or verrucae planae, are benign epithelial tumors caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. They typically appear as small, smooth, flat-topped lesions and are most commonly found on the face, neck, and backs of the hands. Understanding the risks, infection pathways, and prevention strategies associated with flat warts is essential, especially for individuals concerned about transmission and infection.

1. Location and Infection Risk: Flat warts are primarily found on mucosal surfaces, such as the oral cavity, genital area, and other moist regions of the body. While they can occur on the skin, the likelihood of infection on areas like the arms or neck is lower compared to mucosal surfaces. Other types of warts, such as common warts (verrucae vulgaris) and plantar warts (verrucae plantaris), are more prevalent on the hands and feet. Therefore, while flat warts can theoretically appear on any skin surface, they are less common in areas that are not mucosal.

2. Concerns About Transmission: If you have been in contact with someone who has undergone cryotherapy for warts, the risk of transmission through casual contact is generally low. HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly in areas where the skin is broken or compromised. If your colleague had a healing wound, the risk of transmission through a brief touch is minimal, especially if there was no direct contact with the wart itself.

3. Hygiene Practices: After engaging in activities such as masturbation, washing your hands and genitals can significantly reduce the risk of transferring any potential viruses. HPV is not typically transmitted through indirect contact, but maintaining good hygiene practices is essential in minimizing any risk of infection.

4. Transmission Dynamics: The likelihood of HPV from hand warts infecting the genital area is low. Different strains of HPV are associated with different types of warts, and the strains that cause flat warts on the hands are not the same as those that cause genital warts (condylomata acuminata). Therefore, the risk of transmission from hand warts to the genital area is significantly reduced.

5. Viral Load and Infection Risk: It is true that in the absence of visible symptoms, the viral load is typically lower, which reduces the likelihood of transmission. HPV can remain dormant in the body, and without visible lesions, the risk of spreading the virus is considerably diminished.

6. Self-Contact and Infection: Engaging in self-contact while having no visible symptoms on the hands does not significantly increase the risk of transferring the virus to the genital area. The risk remains low, especially if proper hygiene is practiced immediately after.

7. HIV and Warts: While HIV can lead to a range of symptoms, including skin lesions, the warts associated with HIV are typically more extensive and may appear in mucosal areas. If you have concerns about HIV, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and evaluation.

8. Monitoring for Warts: If no warts appear on your hands after three months of observation, the likelihood of having an active infection is low. HPV can remain dormant, but the absence of visible lesions suggests that the risk of transmission is minimal.

In summary, while flat warts are caused by HPV and can be a concern for transmission, the risk of infection through casual contact is relatively low. Maintaining good hygiene, being aware of the types of HPV associated with different warts, and monitoring for any changes are essential steps in managing your health. If you have ongoing concerns or symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential treatment options.

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