Genital wart
A common STI caused by low-risk HPV types.
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection resulting from specific strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). These growths can be flat or raised above the skin, with colors ranging from brownish, white, pale yellow, pinkish-red, or gray. They may appear as a few isolated warts or many clustered together, sometimes merging into a cauliflower-like shape. Symptoms can include itching or a burning sensation, though they often produce few signs; occasionally, they become painful. Warts typically emerge one to eight months after exposure and are the most recognizable sign of a genital HPV infection. The majority of cases are caused by HPV types 6 and 11, while types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 35 are found less frequently. Transmission occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact, commonly during oral, manual, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. Diagnosis is usually made based on visible symptoms and can be confirmed with a biopsy. Importantly, the HPV strains that cause cancer are distinct from those that cause genital warts.
Quick Facts
- Field
- Infectious disease
- Symptoms
- Small bumps in skin of genital area, varying sizes and shapes but typically protrude out, burning, itch
- Onset
- 1-8 months following exposure
- Causes
- HPV types 6 and 11
- Diagnosis
- Based on symptoms, can be confirmed by biopsy
- Differential
- Molluscum contagiosum, skin tag, condylomata lata, squamous-cell carcinoma
- Prevention
- HPV vaccine, condoms
- Treatment
- Medications, cryotherapy, surgery
- Medication
- Podophyllin, imiquimod, trichloroacetic acid
- Frequency
- ~1% (US)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Genital warts have been known at least since the time of Hippocrates in 300 BC. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), with types 6 and 11 responsible for the majority of cases. The warts can appear anywhere in the anal or genital area, including external surfaces like the penile shaft, scrotum, or labia majora, and internal surfaces like the urethra, vagina, cervix, or anus. They can be as small as 1–5 mm in diameter or grow into large masses, and may be hard or soft, with colors ranging from brownish to pinkish-red. While usually causing few symptoms, they can be itchy, burning, or painful, and may cause psychological distress.
Reader's Guide
Genital warts are significant as the most easily recognized symptom of genital HPV infection, affecting about 1% of people in the United States. Without vaccination, nearly all sexually active people will get some type of HPV at one point in their lives. The quadrivalent and nonavalent HPV vaccines provide virtually complete protection against genital warts. Treatment options include creams such as podophyllin, imiquimod, and trichloroacetic acid, as well as cryotherapy or surgery. After treatment, warts often resolve within six months; without treatment, up to a third of cases resolve on their own. However, there is no cure for HPV, and removing visible warts does not necessarily reduce transmission of the underlying infection. The disease has been known since ancient times, and its management continues to evolve with vaccination and topical therapies.
Did You Know?
- HPV types 6 and 11 cause the majority of genital warts.
- The quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccines provide virtually complete protection against genital warts.
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