can warts on fingers cause genital warts? - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

bonitaB · 01-18-2009, 11:56 AM

I have since childhood had recurring warts on my fingers which have been treated and removed over and over, and have always seemed to come back in different places, always on hands or feet. I am wondering if being prone to these type of warts, make me more prone to developing or spreading genital warts, either by contact, or just by having the presence of the hpv virus. How similar or different is the type of hpv that causes common and plantar warts to the types that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer? And lastly, can the new hpv vaccines such as Guardasil in any way help prevent or have any effect on the type of hpv that causes common warts?

Drafly · 01-18-2009, 06:04 PM

While warts on your fingers are indeed caused by human papilloma virus, they are not the strain which affects the genital area and is transmitted sexually. Hope this helps.

Guardasil manufactured by Merck is specifically for low risk HPV 6 and 11 (which cause genital warts or condyloma) and HPV 16 and 18 which are the high risk (for malignancy) types. Guardasil is not marketed nor has it been tested for use in plantar warts, common warts etc.