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    Eser AĞAR, MD, Asst. Prof. of Medicine
    Wart Treatment Center
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HPV IN THE BATH

HPV and Warts: Risk of Transmission in Pools and Bathhouses

HPV is a common virus that can cause warts and some types of cancer. Here is what you need to know about the risk of HPV transmission from pools and bathhouses and how to prevent it:


Can HPV Be Contracted from Pools and Bathhouses?

While it is not very likely for the HPV virus to be transmitted through pool water or hard surfaces, some low-risk types of HPV can cause hand and foot warts, and there is a chance that these types of warts can be transmitted in pools and bathhouses. While hand and foot warts can be transmitted via commonly used personal items, genital HPV virus usually requires direct contact with the skin, mouth, and genital area of a person infected with HPV for transmission.




Other Modes of Transmission

The ways in which HPV can be transmitted are not limited to sexual contact. Below, you can find other potential modes of transmission:

  • Horizontal Transmission: Can occur through objects that can be carried from person to person, fingers, and skin contact.
  • Self-Inoculation: Genital warts (low-risk HPV) can be seen in individuals who do not have sex and in children through self-inoculation.
  • Vertical Transmission: Can occur between mother and baby during natural childbirth.
  • Waterborne Transmission: HPV DNA has been detected in water habitats, but no evidence has been found that it can be transmitted from water.

Preventing HPV Transmission

Knowing that HPV has the potential to be transmitted in different ways, you can take the following precautions:

  • Pay attention to hygiene rules
  • Avoid walking barefoot in the bathhouse
  • Bandage if you have an open wound
  • Do not wear someone else's slippers
  • Be careful about the cleanliness of the instruments used during gynecological examinations
  • Getting the HPV vaccine to prevent genital warts is one of the most effective methods of protection.

Can HPV Be Transmitted Through Waxing and Shared Razors?

Waxing and shared razors can also be among the ways HPV can be transmitted.

  • Waxing Transmission: The waxing process can remove the virus settled within living cells from the skin and transmit the virus to the irritated skin area during the next waxing process. Therefore, sterility and the use of personal materials should be paid attention to during the waxing process.
  • Transmission with Shared Razors: There is also a risk of transmission with shared razors. Razors irritate the surface layer of the skin and make it easier for the virus to settle in the skin. Therefore, it is important not to share personal care products.

To minimize the risk of transmission through waxing and shared razors:

  • Single-use materials should be preferred during waxing and the same wax should not be used between different people.
  • Personal care products (razors, shaving machines, etc.) should not be shared with others. Everyone using their own personal care products is the safest way.
  • In addition to these suggestions, the HPV vaccine is the most effective method to prevent the transmission of genital HPV

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Search Terms
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HPV Statistics

HPV Types Detected in People With Cervical Cancer

HPV Type 16 ± 18

70%

Other Types

30%

Eser AĞAR, MD, Asst. Prof. of Medicine

Wart Treatment Center


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