Dermatologist Questions Dermatologist

Can hpv transmit through metal surface to skin?

I used an earwax removal tool (metal) to claw the warts on my hand. Then, I cleaned it by 70% of ethanol. In the next day, I used it to removed earwax. Can HPV from wart transmit to my ears by that way? Will warts grow in my ear (in side)?

Male | 30 years old

2 Answers

Hello there! HPV ‘through metal’ would be unusual as it requires skin to skin contact to spread. There are different causes of lesions similar to these - some are sexually transmitted and some are not! I recommend see a physician that can biopsy and diagnose these!
The virus is only killed by Freezing them or liquid nitrogen,and typically the HPV survive just two to three hours outside the human body,You cannot get HPV from toilet seats, hugging or holding hands, swimming in pools or hot tubs, or sharing food or utensils.The route of HPV transmission is primarily through skin-to-skin or skin-to-mucosa contact.Also due to you cleaning it with 70% ethanol that does not mean that the virus is not present.I would recommend you watch the ear that you used that tool in to make sure that the warts are not growing.An any case if you need me I would prescribed you some Podofilox Condylox to help stop the growth of the virus.
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