Studies conducted at the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University in Canada confirm that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is not transmitted through the hands. Therefore, you are not at risk of getting infected by touching a wart caused by HPV.
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HPV and Its Modes of Transmission
HPV is a virus that infects the skin, primarily in the genital area, in both men and women. Its main mode of transmission is through sexual intercourse in any of its forms, meaning genital, oral, and anal sex.
To date, it has not been entirely confirmed that hands are not a means of transmission. However, tests show that a person who becomes HPV positive had sexual relations with a partner infected with the virus.
Warts on the hands and other parts of the body are a result of having the disease.
In some cases, the infected individual may not show symptoms, even being unaware that they are HPV positive.
The significant risk is that, even if they show no symptoms, they can still transmit the disease to their intimate partners. Similarly, the person they infect can develop genital warts.
Human Papillomavirus Can Have Health Consequences
There are about 150 strains of the virus that affect sexually active men and women. Some strains cause warts, while others can lead to certain types of cancer.
The most common cancer is found in women and is cervical cancer. There are also other types of cancer, such as vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile, and various types of oropharyngeal cancer, in the throat, behind the tongue, and in the tonsils.
It can take varying lengths of time to appear, even decades, after contracting the virus. It should also be noted that, generally, there is a group of people who are more affected by the disease.
This group consists of immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or transplant recipients.
How Can You Prevent Infection?
There is no 100% effective way to avoid getting infected with HPV. However, practicing some habits can help:
- Getting vaccinated against HPV is a safe and effective strategy that can protect against cancer. However, there is a recommended age to receive the vaccine, which is 11 or 12 years for both girls and boys.
- For women, it is a good idea to undergo cervical cancer screening as frequently as recommended by a doctor.
- Sexually active individuals should use latex condoms. Although it’s not 100% safe since it doesn’t cover the entire genital area where the virus can spread.
- Use dental dams for oral sex.
- Maintain monogamous sexual relationships.
Lastly… what should you do if you have HPV?
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
I wish you great success in your recovery!
Sources:
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/warts-heal
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/warts-and-verrucas
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15045-warts
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Wilson. Dr. Amy Wilson, born in the United States, obtained her medical degree from Lincoln University School of Medicine. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she’s dedicated 15 years to women’s health, becoming a distinguished gynecologist and serving in various U.S. medical institutions.