Contracting HPV - Sexually Transmitted Diseases Message Board

bethisamksd · 02-17-2009, 10:12 AM

I know you get HPV through contact with mucous membranes. Are the eyes considered a mucous membrane. I completed an esthetics course last summer (which means I do facials). My hands were in contact with the eye area of many other women and visa versa. Is it possible that I could have contracted in that way and can I pass it along to others that way?

Magnetic · 02-17-2009, 06:31 PM

Unless you had your hands in their genital region, I think you are safe from HPV. And it is not mucus areas - it is skin to skin contact with HPV, like with HSV. I would actually be more worried about transfering HSV from a cold sore. Certainly, wash your hands after each client.

Drafly · 02-18-2009, 05:24 AM

HPV most certainly does affect the mucous membranes (skin and mucous membranes), not just skin to skin. This is clearly stated on the CDC website. This is why it occurs in the vagina, anal area and anus, rectum, mouth and throat. While I doubt you have anything to worry about relating to HPV, there are other diseases which can be contracted through touching an infected area and then putting your hand to the mouth, eyes, nose or other similar areas. As for the eyes, conjunctivitis is passed through hand contact with the eyes.