Doc: HPV vaccine only effective in women up to 26

Dear Dr. Roach: I just read your article on HPV vaccine, which is offered only up to age 26.

A few months ago, my husband (of many years) had a colonoscopy and they found warts in his rectum, which proved to be a cancer-causing type of HPV. Since he was active sexually before we were married and has had no sexual contact with anyone but me since, his surgeon stated that it has been dormant since then.

I realize that I cannot get the vaccine. I do not have a cervix, and had a recent Pap smear that was negative.

I am very concerned that I may get the virus. Since his virus was dormant for so long, is there a chance that I also may have it and that it could flare up in the future?

Have you heard of other people who have had the virus stay dormant for that long? Are there some precautions I should be taking?

A.N.

Dear A.N.: Unfortunately, HPV stays in the body forever, and people can remain potentially infectious the entire time. You are right that the vaccine is unlikely to help you, given that you have been exposed during your marriage. Fortunately, you do not have a cervix, so cervical cancer is impossible (assuming you had a complete hysterectomy).

The only precaution I would recommend would be continued vigilance via your gynecologic exams and colonoscopies.

Dear Dr. Roach: My husband is 85 and has developed a crusty, scabby condition on his scalp, which bleeds when scratched. I have tried several remedies, but none has helped. What should I try?

E.D.

Dear E.D.: There are several possibilities, including psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, but bleeding makes me worried about skin cancer, which is common on the scalp in older adults. He needs an evaluation by his regular doctor or a dermatologist. Only with a correct diagnosis can he get proper treatment.

Email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.