Worry Warts :)

I need help trying to figure out what I need to worry about concerning the common wart! Silly, I know. But I’ve been known to stress out about far less. :) I’ve read a bunch of stuff online, and all it did was freak me out. This is why:

I just found out a co-worker of mine has warts on her hands and feet. She has stayed at my house the last couple weekends, and she does a lot of work in and around my office.

Now that I know she has warts, I am nervous about getting them! Everything she touches I make a mental note to disinfect and its starting to drive me crazy.

Maybe if I knew a couple things I could relax about it…

1. How long does the virus “live” on:
- hard floors/shower floors
- carpet
- upholstery (couch, pillows)
- hand towels
- cell phones/hard objects/door handles, etc
- hotel carpets

2. should I be concerned about going in pools/ocean with people with warts. (Any kind) Can the virus “float” to someone else?

3. can you get the std genital warts from a common wart…or is it a different strain?

4. can you get a common wart in the genital area?

5. I have heard you can get a wart on the face and that it is a different strain from common warts. Is this true? how would someone get a wart on the face? Can you get a common wart on the face? How do you treat a wart on the face?

6. concerning the actual genital warts hpv disease. I have heard that it is not curable once you have it. Can you get genital warts without genital contact? (Please tell me no! I don’t need anything else to worry about.) I am monogamous, but this stuff just bothers me until I get a good answer!

Sorry for so many questions...I’m a worry wart! :) Haha...Thanks for easing my mind!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

'Home treatment is often effective in curing warts. Salicylic acid, an over-the-counter medication, or even duct tape and patience may be enough to resolve warts.'

If you have stubborn warts and home treatment isn't helping, your doctor may suggest one of the following approaches, based on the location of your wart, the degree of your symptoms and your preferences.

Freezing (cryotherapy or liquid nitrogen therapy); canthardin; electrodissection and curettage and laser surgery are the treatment options available.'

You could read more about this at the following links -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wart

and

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/common-warts/DS00370


It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist .

Let us know if you need any other information .

Regards.