[Question #12288] Flat warts spreading to other parts of body

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8 months ago
Hello,About 5-6 months ago, I was diagnosed with flat warts on both my hands. I had about 8 or so, all very small. Luckily, they have responded well to treatment (cryotherapy). That said, I do still have some that haven't been treated yet and I have a few concerns:
1. Can they spread to my mouth when flossing? This is a big concern for me. I try my best not to make contact, but there may be incidental contact with my mouth when I'm flossing--my fingers are literally in my mouth (and I did have a couple on side of my finger). I've read Dr. Hook responding to others about tissue specificity, as it related to flat warts spreading to genitals (that is also large concern of mine). I understand that isn't much of a concern, right? Would this be true for spreading to my mouth as well? My understanding is flat warts "like" hands and face.
2. When drying my hands after washing them, if I use a hand towel to dry my hands, and then use the towel again after, am I creating an opportunity for the virus to spread to other parts of my hands, or to others who may use the the same towel to dry their hands? I have similar concerns when drying with a bath towel.
3. Similarly, can using hand moisturizer spread the virus on my hand, causing more warts?
4. Last question is about clearance. I've noticed that some of my untreated warts have faded quite a bit. Some I can barely locate now. Additionally, none of the treated warts have returned. That would be over two months since treatment. Can I take this as a sign that my immune system is at least starting to take control? I consider myself quite healthy--nutrition and exercise are focal points of my life. I also don't smoke and rarely drink. Everything I find online says that flat warts often go away on their own in "a few months or well over a year" depending on the individual. This is quite a range of time...
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
Welcome to the forum and thank you for your confidence in our services. Unfortunately, however, I'm afraid we can't help very much with these questions.

Hand warts are caused by different types of HPV than the 30-40 types that regularly cause genital infection and are sexually transmitted. STD experts, clinics, etc do not manage non-genital warts and we make no attempt to stay current in HPV virology, clinical manifestations, or treatment of non sexually transmitted HPV. And personally, I cannot in good conscience answer these questions with confidence.

If you would like me to proceed with what common sense advice I might have, I will respond. But if not, please let me know in a follow-up comment and we will arrange to delete this thread and reimburse your positing fee. Thank you for your understanding.

HHH, MD
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
Seeing no reply after 24 hours, I'll assume you're not interested in continuing the discussion and will close the thread and have administration refund your posting fee.

While I cannot answer your questions in detail, I can say that warts and HPV infection are not known to ever be transmitted in households or by contact with towels, clothing, etc; or in food preparation etc. There there also probably is no risk of transmitting HPV to your mouth by flossing or other contact with your own mouth. For further advice, I would suggest a dermatologist -- presumably you are seeing one. Good luck.
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