JPAC Joint United Kingdom (UK) Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee

Warts

IncludingMolluscum contagiosum and verrucas.
ObligatoryMust not donate if:
Treatment has left unhealed areas.
DiscretionaryIf there are no open wounds, even if on treatment, accept.
See if RelevantSexually Transmitted Disease
Surgery
Wounds, Mouth and Skin Ulcers
Additional InformationWarts (including verrucas) are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) of which there are over 100 different types. They may occur on the skin and mucous membranes. The virus is spread by skin to skin contact and it can be very infectious. Genital warts are possibly the commonest sexually transmitted disease but they do not necessarily indicate high risk sexually activity, so no specific deferral is required. It may however be sensible to discuss the possibility of high risk sexual activity if they have been recently acquired.

Molluscum contagiosum is also caused by a virus and can be managed in the same way as warts.

Treatment may lead to unhealed wounds or sores and these pose a risk for bacteria entering the blood. Bacteria can be a serious threat to anybody receiving blood or blood components. This is because bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels after collection.
Reason for changeThis entry has been extensively rewritten to improve clarity.
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Update Information

This entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.