Skin warts may spread at laser hair-removal centers when parts that contact the skin are not properly sterilized, dermatologist Mari Osama said. She described transmission through the devices as rare and stressed that available evidence does not conclusively prove that lasers cause the infection.
Warnings over contamination of laser-treatment equipment
The warnings come as videos circulate on TikTok describing infections among women and girls in Egypt after hair-removal sessions. Osama said the spread is limited, explaining that the potential risk involves contaminated tools, surfaces and contact—not the laser beams themselves.
In 2022, researchers from Iran’s Tabriz University of Medical Sciences conducted a comparative study examining the relationship between laser hair removal in the genital area and human papillomavirus infection. It was later published in the International Journal of Women’s Health and Reproduction Sciences. The researchers reviewed test results from 809 women who visited gynecology clinics.
However, the study found only a statistical association and did not prove that the devices caused the infections. The researchers called for additional experiments and laboratory tests to determine whether the virus is present on the devices and whether they can actually transmit it. Warts, or skin verrucae, are benign, noncancerous growths caused by human papillomavirus and may appear on the skin or mucous membranes.
Types of warts and risks of high-risk strains
The virus stimulates cells in the outer layer of the skin to grow, forming rough bumps or raised growths. According to Osama, the virus has more than 100 strains or subtypes, divided into skin types affecting areas such as the hands, feet, face and neck, and genital types affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the genital and anal areas.
She said some strains, including 16 and 18, are high-risk because persistent infection can cause cellular changes that increase the risk of tumors such as cervical cancer if not detected and treated. The doctor said the type that may spread through unsterilized devices at laser centers is common skin warts; their appearance in the genital area does not mean they are sexually transmitted.
Unsterilized spacer may provide a gateway for infection
Infection in this area may result from autoinoculation or contact between contaminated equipment and the skin. The potential risk centers on a small plastic or metal piece attached to the end of a laser handpiece, known as a “spacer.” It touches the skin directly to maintain a fixed distance and guide the pulses, so it must be sterilized between sessions.
Osama warned against relying on alcohol alone, saying it does not eliminate the virus that causes warts. She said sterilization requires specialized agents, including diluted bleach or sodium hypochlorite, and peracetic acid with silver compounds, noting that these substances are not available at all clinics and centers.
An unsterilized spacer can transmit the virus from one person to another or from an infected site to a healthy site on the same person’s body. Warts can also spread through skin-to-skin contact, sharing personal items, towels and sheets, and touching unsterilized surfaces. The virus can enter the skin through tiny cuts, even when it is present without itching, pain or a visible change in color.
Osama said shaving immediately before a session may leave tiny openings, while heat around the hair follicle may cause irritation that allows the virus to enter. She added that the possibility is not limited to warts and may also include herpes. To reduce the risk, Osama recommended choosing a licensed, trusted center and having the session performed by a dermatologist able to detect an infection and stop the procedure if necessary.
She also advised using a personal silicone cover placed over the spacer and ensuring that the piece is sterilized with specialized agents rather than alcohol alone. Precautions include postponing the session if there is inflammation, redness or blisters, and shaving at least two days before the appointment to allow tiny wounds time to heal.
She also recommended not sharing towels or personal items, ensuring that single-use paper sheets are used, and making sure the doctor wears medical gloves during the session.
