Swim party guest with two huge holes in flesh from recent wart removal. Contagious??

[decoratorlady]

We just put in a new in-ground swimming pool.  We invited my husband's family up to help us celebrate. His 12 year old nephew showed up with two dime sized "craters" on the top of his hand and wrist,  his parents said he had 2 massive warts burned off.....he is still supposed to use some 'chapstick" looking applicator in them for future prevention or to make sure they're gone.  They said the procedure was done almost 2 weeks ago.  

I was shocked that they brought him to swim with two deep, HUGE holes in his skin.  I didn't think it would be good for him or others....but they insisted  he go ahead and swim with the others.

So what now?? Do I need to super chlorinate my pool?  (We have a salt water system) and watch my kids like a hawk to make sure they don't show up with warts too?   Or am I worrying for nothing??  Please share your wisdom and knowledge.  Thanks!

[decoratorlady]

Thanks to both of you for your responses.  I've since set the pool on "super chlorinate"  and called our pool contractor and their chemical specialist and was told that everything should be fine.  

Thanks again!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Warts are tumours or growths of the skin caused by infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV).They are contagious when in contact with the skin of an infected person. It is lee likely to get the virus from sharing the swimming pool. But however other infections can spread by swimming pool.

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.

[carcrazy]

Not sure if there is anything you can do now but in the uk public swimming pools will not let you enter the water if you have any kind of open wound, Even a grazed knee will see you refused so I agree that I think the parents were not acting in his or others best interests. No its not nice if your child is left out but thats life at times. If ever you are in a similar situation I'd just call your local public baths and ask if you are allowed to swim with such and such an injury, etc. Or even call up the childs DR, nurse or an ER for advice