[Question #9218] Safe to Breastfeed with Warts on Breasts?

35 months ago

I am currently in my 9^th month of pregnancy. A few months ago a dermatologist removed 2 long, spindly warts that had probably been growing for a while from one of my areola by cutting them off. One month ago, she found many more warts (many very small) growing all over my breasts, chest and areola. She removed around 30 of them using cryotherapy, but they keep popping up. I also recently noticed a few new ones growing on my face, arms, neck, stomach etc. Is it safe for me to breastfeed? Or will I risk passing on HPV to my newborn? The dermatologist says they are some kind of viral wart.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

35 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, we really can't help. This isn't an STI issue, or a sexually transmitted HPV problem. We are experts in sexually transmitted HPV and warts, but not the sort of problem you have. Since you have seen a dermatologist, I have to assume the diagnosis is correct, i.e. that you have warts all over your breasts and chest. Still, you might check with her to be sure she wasn't using the term "wart" in a general sense -- i.e. that she has diagnosed true warts (papillomas) caused by HPV.

If so, this is not a problem I have ever heard of or know how to manage. Presumably you are not seriously immunodeficient (untreated HIV, cancer, chemotherapy, autoimmune problems, etc) -- but maybe you have a particular immune system deficit that allows warts to develop so extensively. And whether your baby is at risk for HPV -- either naturally, or because s/he has inherited a similar immune dysfunction -- is something I cannot judge. Aside from speaking with your dermatologist, I would recommend discussing with the child's pediatrician, and perhaps also consider consultation with an infectious diseases specialist and an immunologist about evaluating your immune system and perhaps the baby's.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. Good luck with it all.

HHH, MD

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