HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) AND COSMETIC LASER PROCEDURES: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the skin and mucosa worldwide and a major etiological agent for cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. Cosmetic laser procedures, including laser hair removal and ablative dermatologic lasers, have increased substantially over the past two decades. Concerns have emerged regarding the potential role of laser procedures in HPV transmission, particularly through laser plume and micro-trauma to epithelial tissues. Aim:This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available evidence on the relationship between HPV and cosmetic laser procedures, including transmission risk, laser plume exposure, clinical outcomes, and occupational safety implications. Methods: The review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis and reported using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted. Eligible studies were screened, charted, and synthesized narratively. Results: Five key evidence domains emerged: (1) HPV biology and skin transmission; (2) laser-induced epithelial disruption; (3) detection of HPV DNA in laser plume; (4) epidemiological associations between cosmetic laser hair removal and HPV positivity; and (5) occupational exposure risks for healthcare workers. While HPV DNA has been consistently detected in laser plume during treatment of HPV-positive lesions, direct evidence of infection transmission during cosmetic laser procedures remains limited. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests a plausible but unconfirmed risk of HPV exposure associated with cosmetic laser procedures. The findings highlight the need for standardized safety measures, improved provider education, and high-quality prospective research.