Is it Possible that a Wart on Finger can Cause Genital Warts

To answer your question, it is first important to understand what warts are, what causes them, and how they can be spread. Warts are small, raised growths with a hard surface on the surface of the skin. They are usually painless and are harmless. However, their appearance can be unpleasant and embarrassing. Warts are caused by a viral infection of the skin’s surface by various types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). Warts can be classified based on the area they are found in. For example, hand warts (verruca vulgaris) occur anywhere on the hands while genital warts are found in the genital and anal regions. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the HPV infection, other than removal of the warts. The virus itself cannot be destroyed, which often leads to reappearance of the warts. In all cases of warts, an expert may recommend surgical removal, removal by freezing using liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), or burning by electrocautery or laser treatment.

STD Genital Warts

Genital warts are perhaps the most commonly sexually transmitted disease (STD) and it has been estimated that one percent of sexually active people have had the infection as some time. Genital warts often begin as small reddish or pink nodules that gradually grow larger. Warts may disappear without any treatment, or they may grow larger and become more and more numerous. In addition, there is evidence that these warts can become cancerous if left untreated for a long time. The common risk factors for this STD include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, poor hygiene, anal intercourse, and existing STDs. Preventing genital warts is extremely difficult. Even condoms can protect only a limited area. The only proven (if impractical) method seems to be abstinence from sex.

Transmission of Genital Warts

Warts are highly contagious since they are caused by a viral infection. There are two channels of transmission, primary (such as person to person contact) or secondary (contact with the shed skin of warts or clothing of a patient). People who are already ill or have a lowered immunity are highly at risk. In addition, there is some proof that any physical trauma, such as cuts or abrasions, can act as ‘gateways’ for the virus. Warts can even spread from one part of a person’s body to another. However, your question specifies two completely different types of warts. Since each is caused by a different strain of HPV, is not possible for a hand wart to cause a genital wart.