22yo Woman Infected with HPV After Getting a Manicure, Develops Cauliflower-like Bumps on Her Finger

A woman in China who wanted to get her nails done and look stylish unfortunately got a little more than she expected. 

In a viral video circulating on Weibo, the woman said she noticed cauliflower-like bumps growing on her finger after getting a manicure. Concerned, she consulted with a dermatologist, who then confirmed that she was infected with the Human papillomavirus (HPV).

The 22-year-old woman, Miss Wang also said that while the bumps that grew around her nail were not painful, they got bigger slowly.

Miss Wang added that the doctor confirmed with her that the growths were warts caused by HPV.

Of course, a person who does a manicure will NOT be infected with HPV if the tools are properly sterilised before use. The chances of infection are higher if the tools are reused after each customer, and the best way to avoid infection is to change to a new set of manicure tools after each customer.

A dermatologist from Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine explained that there is a possibility of cross-infection if nail tools are shared.

The materials used contain chemical ingredients such as formaldehyde, which may cause skin allergies. Doctors advise people with weak immunity to avoid manicures if possible.

What is HPV? Should you be worried?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV is typically not a major cause of concern in most people, but infection with some high-risk types is common and can cause genital warts or cancer.

HPV can be tricky at times because most people will not have any symptoms from an HPV infection. Nonetheless, cancers caused by HPV can be prevented with vaccines. The immune system usually clears HPV from the body within a year or two with no lasting effects.

As of today, being vaccinated is the best way to prevent HPV infection, aside from practising safe sex.

Ladies, if you’re going for a manicure in preparation to look stylish for the upcoming Chinese New Year, do make sure you nail salon follows the hygiene protocol.

Also read: M’sian Housewife Infected With HIV After Husband’s Affairs With Other Women