Main content

    Teen FAQ

    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

    Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).


    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Warts
    Posted on: 06/20/2007

    Question

    If you have warts on your hands or feet, could you spread them to your penis by touch?

    Answer

    Fortunately, no. The strains of wart virus that survive on hands and feet are different from those that live in the genital area. These strains tend to prefer their specific area: hands go to hands, feet to feet, genital/anal to genital/anal, and mouth to mouth. (It is possible for some genital strains to set up well in the mouth, however.) Otherwise, direct contact between these areas is necessary to transmit them.


    Answered By:
    John Boggs , M.D.


    Back to previous
    Back to FAQ Home Page