Warts occur in both sexes. Of the 100 types of HPV, only 30-40 are sexually transmitted and cause genital infections.
HPV is the same virus that causes warts (strains 2 and 4).
Some types of HPV produce warts on various parts of the body, such as plantar fasciitis and common warts on the hands.
Some types of HPV can lead to certain cancers - these are called high-risk types of HPV. Only a few types of HPV produce genital warts.
Genital warts, as their standard name is, are transmitted mainly through sexual contact.
They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are found mainly in the genitals and the areas around them, as well as in the area of the anus ring and the gluteal groove. Extrauterine positions, such as the oral cavity or the corners of the lips, are very rare. They are pink or white in color, softer and more brittle than ordinary skin nevi. The warts, if left untreated for many months, expand, and can become very unsightly.
Contagion occurs through direct contact with infectious lesions caused by the virus. Particularly:
Progenital HPV infections are transmitted through sexual contact (oral, anal, genital). CAUTION: People with invisible disease can transmit the virus (these are asymptomatic carriers of the virus).
HPV skin infections are transmitted through close personal contact, especially in areas with minor injuries.
The onset of the disease depends on the type of virus and the location of the lesions.
Symptoms
Symptoms of genital warts are soft, flesh-colored bumps.
They often grow in more than one spot and can be concentrated in large masses.
Warts are usually painless but can be itchy.
You may see or feel genital warts in the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, anus or urethra.
They can also occur, but are less common, in the mouth, lips, tongue, palate, or throat.
Warts usually appear 6 weeks to 6 months after infection but can last longer.
Warts and Treatment
Treatment is conservative with special drugs (smearing the lesions), and surgery with electrocautery or laser.
Freezing can be done with liquid nitrogen (cryocoagulation). Other therapies may also be used, such as chemical therapy (e.g. podophyllotoxin-imiquimod-interferon, etc.).
Warts should be treated until they disappear, due to the risk of transmitting the disease to the sexual partner during sexual intercourse, as well as the risk of malignancy.