You're welcome.
I don't know how long HPV can survive. Most warts behave in a noncontagious fashion. By that I mean that when I see people with warts (many times every day), rarely do other people around them have warts. Also, warts don't spread where skin touches skin--for instance, if warts were contagious, hand warts would spread all over the body just from taking aa shower. They don't.
So I wouldn't worry about countertops Or showers, or locker rooms, or pools).
As to the little bumps on the palms, those are most likely blisters of mild eczema. I wouldn't bother them or with them unless they become itchy or obtrusive, in which case a doctor can prescribe cream for symptomatic relief. Otherwise, I'd ignore 'em.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
I have one more question concerning the bumps on the palm of my hand. IF you remember, I indicated that I would take a sterilized needle and lift the bumps--they would just peel off like dead skin or something. Well, I have done this many times; therefore, the skin in one particular area is now rather hard. Can this occur from peeling the skin too much? How should I attempt to rid myself of the hard, tough skin in that area of my palm. (it is a relatively small area that I just "peeled" too much)
Thank you again for providing answers to my questions.
Sincerely,
bin