Flat Warts

My family and I are heading to the beach for the holiday weekend.  I have seen a dermatologist and have had several flat warts frozen 3 months ago.  I have recently noticed similiar looking bumps on the back part of my knee.  If they are warts, is it safe to go swimming or should I avoid the swimming pool/beach?  I don't want to pass them on to my husband or daughter or anyone else for that matter.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Warts are caused by HPV and viruses cannot survive outside the human body for long. They are contagious when in contact with the skin of an infected person. It cannot be transmitted by swimming together or in ocean water.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.