hpv and hand sanitizer

[tonykoco]

Doctor. Does any hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alchol kill hpv.  I read studies that stats the dna still survives.
Had a situation after fingering and no soap and water so used hand sanitizer.

[tonykoco]

Thanks for answering

Just wanted to know if it destroys the dna so it can't be transmitted

[tonykoco]

So there is no clear cut answer?
Just asking
I know it doesn't live long outside the body

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to our Forum. I'll be happy to comment. In preparing to answer your question I reviewed your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield as well.  In looking them over, it occurs to me that you may not be cut out for visits to strip clubs, exotic dancers, etc. as you tend to worry a lot about infection.  Alternatively, when you go to such places, you should work to not worry. the fact is that most persons working in such settings do not have STIs and even when they do, most single exposures to infected partners do not lead to infection.  

As for the exposure you mention, there is no meaningful risk for HPV, for several reasons.  Most importantly, the skin of the hands/fingers are thicker and less susceptible to genital HPV infection than genital skin.  The hand sanitizer you used may have helped as well, both because of the alcohol (which can denature DNA) and because they contain other antibacterial and anti-viral substances.  I would not worry about HPV (or any other STI) from the masturbation exposure that you mention.

I hope that these comments are helpful.  EWH