Still concerned regarding HPV fingernails

[jy541443]

Back in August 18 I posted a concern in regards of contracting HPV/HSV on my fingertips (skin under the fingernail).  I visited an escort and right after she used her rubber dildo I grabbed the toy and as hard as possible I pressed my fingertips into the toy shaft.  The reason for my concern was that right before I met her I clipped my fingernails too deeply and caused some minor bleeding under my nail. With the extreme pressure applied towards the toy and the cut I was worried.  Dr. Handsfield gave me a logical explanation as to why it's unlikely for me to contract hpv/hsv but I wanted to know what qualities the skin underneath the nail have for it to be a good barrier against infection even if there are minor cuts.  I understand the fingertips have rough exterior but the skin underneath the nail seem to be more thin and soft. I wouldn't be worrying about this if I merely touched the toy but because I pressed extremely hard against the toy I am still worried.  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That doesn't happen.  The genital types of HPV don't easily infect other parts of the body. Even among persons with genital warts who scratch their lesions and the scratch other parts of their bodies never transfer warts to the scratched areas.  Your concerns have no scientific or rational basis.

See the last paragraph of my reply above. Whether or not you choose to follow that advice, that will be all for this thread.  Also plese note MedHelp's rule about a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months on the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions).

[jy541443]

The only reason why I have such irrational fears is that if my fingertips do have genital hpv I'm scared I could infect any part of my body including genitals, head, neck etc.  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

HPV doesn't need skin injury to cause infection; indeed, the deeper layers of skin that would be exposed by cuts probably are less susceptible to the virus than the superficial layers -- that's where the cells that HPV targets are located.  Everybody gets HPV at one time or another, both genital and non-genital types.  It's a normal and expected consequence of being human.  Fortunately, most infections never cause symptoms and clear up, without leading to cancer.  The odds are strong that your fingers weren't infected by the exposure you describe, but it wouldn't matter if they were.

Your obsession with this is quite abnormal.  If you cannot shake these quite irrational fears, professional counseling may be in order.  I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.

HHH, MD