In a message dated 12/30/98 8:22:03 PM Central Standard Time,
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<< Tell me, what does a wart on a nipple look like? Meaning, how do we know
 that whatever it is on the nipples is caused by virus?
 Leave the nipples alone. Encourage the mother to nurse. Would we tell a
 mother who had warts on her fingers not to touch the baby?
 Jack  >>

Well, warts are virus-induced tumors.  I think it would be prudent for the mom
to see a physician to have an accurate diagnosis.  Warts are caused by
infection with human papilloma virus.  The different forms of warts are caused
by distinct strains of papilloma viruses.  Is it molluscum contagiosum?  Is it
condylomata acuminata (gential warts)?  Children can develop juvenile
laryngeal papillomatosis - warty lesions on the vocal cords of children and
can cause eventual FATAL airway obstruction if not removed.  Papillomatosis is
probably due to an infection of one type of human papovavirus.  NOTE:  the
incidence of papillomatosis is higher in children born to mothers who have
condyloma acuminatum.
Andrew MD FAAP
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