Sexual Contact
The human papillomavirus is also referred to as HPV. It attacks the skin and mucous membranes of the body. According to the CDC, the human papillomavirus is actually a group of more than 100 strains of virus. Around 40 of them are transmitted sexually; the rest can be contracted through tears in the skin. One of the most common types of HPV that is contracted sexually is genital warts. These appear to be flesh-like bumps that appear in or around the skin on the penis or vagina. They can also be found inside of the vagina and on and around the cervix. Some forms of human papillomavirus can lead to infections and abnormal cells developing on the cervix. Over time these cells could lead to cervical cancer.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Another way that the human papillomavirus can be contracted is through direct skin-to-skin contact. This can happen through close intimate contact. Common warts can develop when there is a tear in the skin area. This is generally on the fingers or hands. There also are flat warts, which are similar to common warts except they grow on the face, arms and legs. There is no cure once the virus enters the body, but each incidence of warts generally responds well to treatment. A physician or dermatologist may decide to burn or shave the wart off. They may also use a solution of salicylic acid that will kill the wart and the skin underneath it.
Open Wound
An open wound or sore is another way to contract human papillomavirus. This is particularly common in cases of skin lesions. Skin lesions caused by HPV are generally found in the mouth, lips, tongue, nose, tonsil, larynx and edges of the mouth. Sometimes these sores are referred to as cold sores. They are generally contracted from someone else who also has an open lesion. They should not be confused with herpes---which also causes sores in the mouth and genital area. Plantar warts are another form of human papillomavirus. They are warts that are found on the sole of the foot. They can easily be contracted by a cut in the foot or skin around the foot area. You can get plantar warts by sharing shoes without wearing socks or by walking on a contaminated surface that someone else who has the virus was using. Plantar warts are small, painful bumps with a dark center. They can often multiply or generate into clusters if they are not treated properly. They can be removed surgically by a podiatrist or dermatologist. With plantar warts, like many other HPV outbreaks, even if the wart or lesion is healed or removed initially, there is still a chance it could return at a later date.
