[Question #10816] HPV and steroids

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19 months ago
Hello, 

I been dealing with what may be a recurrence of warts. My dermatologist did not provide a clear answer as to what the were other than “ it could be”
And treated the areas to be safe. 

I am doing better mentally and working with a  therapist to control my anxiety related to HPV. I have been avoiding online research and this forum but I had a question and did not know where else to ask it. 

I went to the doctor this morning for a sore throat and he prescribed me a 6 day prednisone pack to help. I know this medication can alter the immune system. Is there any knowledge or risk of a short course of steroids like this causing HPV to reactivate or return? 
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19 months ago
I will currently add that I have no evidence of warts or bumps after the treatment from the dermatologist. 
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
19 months ago
Welcome back to the Forum.  I'm sorry you felt the need.  I reviewed your four earlier visits to the site regarding HPV and want to reinforce what Dr. Handsfield and I have already told you.  I really think your focus on HPV is not doing you and good but will join Dr. Handsfield in working to separate your emotional response to possible infection from fact regarding this ubiquitous, almost always benign infection.

I think that ist does not do you any good to have your doctor treat possible lesions "just in case".  This deprives you of the knowledge as to whether or nor abnormalities you note are truly HPV or not and for that reason reinforces you emotional reaction to possible infection.  I suggest you discuss this with your dermatologist.  

There are no scientific data or reasons to worry that a short course of relatively low dose prednisone will meaningfully change the natural history of HPV in terms of reactivation/relapse.

I hope this assessment is helpful.  EWH
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