Can gential warts spread thru bar soap?

[tang18]

I have genital warts and was masturbating, then after masturbating I washed my hands using the bar of soap near the bathroom sink. Then about a 24 hours later a female family member used that bar of soap to take a shower. How likely can that person contract the virus?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the STD forum.

Soap instantaneously inactivates all viruses, including HPV -- as well as most bacteria.  Which is why soap and water remains among the most effective means of preventing any infection, at least those acquired by skin to skin contact.

People in the households of persons with genital HPV infections never get infected themselves (unless they have sex with them); and for sure nobody in your household can catch HPV by using soap you had used.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I already said "Soap instantaneously inactivates all viruses...."  I haven't changed my mind.  That's all for this thread.

[tang18]

One last question, what about Molluscum? Since it is also a virus would the bar of soap instantaneously kill the virus as you have said it does to HPV?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The toilet seat is a myth for all STDs, including HPV.

That will be all for this thread.  Accept the reassurance, follow your doctor or clinic's advice about treatment of your warts, and move on.

[tang18]

So how about the toilet seat? You always hear storied about the possibility of getting it from the toilet seat, just wanted to make sure it was a myth as well.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The only way you can transmit genital HPV is by having sex with someone.

[tang18]

Thank you doctor, this puts a load off my mind. I was very worried about passing this virus to someone else.