What is genital warts like?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Genital warts belong to a contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus infection, commonly known as HPV.

This disease generally has a high incidence among sexually active populations. Once infected, it tends to be highly recurrent and contagious. The most characteristic symptoms are cauliflower-like or cock's comb-like growths. Initially, there are sharp-pointed white papules that gradually may grow into lumps. Typically, these growths are found on the external genitalia, foreskin, glans, or anal region. Treatment for this condition can be challenging. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek standard treatment from a dermatology department in a reputable hospital. Treatment must be persistent, potentially lasting at least six months to a year. It is advisable to avoid sexual contact until completely healed.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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Flat warts and genital warts are caused by the same virus?

Flat warts and condyloma acuminata both belong to the human papillomavirus (HPV), causing benign proliferations on the skin and mucous membranes. Clinically, common types include common warts, flat warts, plantar warts, and condyloma acuminata, among others. However, the specific subtypes of infections they cause vary. Flat warts are often caused by HPV type 3, typically seen in children and adolescents, and commonly occur on the face, backs of hands, and forearms. The typical lesions are flat, raised papules the size of rice grains or soybeans, round or oval in shape. Among all clinical HPV infections, flat warts have the highest rate of spontaneous resolution, although a minority of patients may experience recurrent episodes. Condyloma acuminata, on the other hand, is classified as a type of sexually transmitted disease. The specific HPV types involved include HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, among others. HPV infects the epithelial tissue and is prevalent among sexually active adolescents, with a latency period generally ranging from 1 to 8 months, averaging 3 months.

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Does molluscum contagiosum spread?

Genital warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are contagious and highly infectious. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease primarily caused by infection with the HPV virus. In the early stages, small papules appear, commonly found around the external genitalia and anus. Over time, these can merge and enlarge, forming cauliflower-like growths or hyperplasias, which may bleed or exude due to friction or rubbing. Once diagnosed with genital warts, it is crucial to receive early, scientific, and standardized treatment to avoid severe impact on the patient's physical and mental health.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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How to determine if you have genital warts

Genital warts usually grow on the skin mucous membranes, primarily around the external genitalia or anal area, presenting as wart-like lesions. Normally, the external genitalia and anal canal should feel smooth, without any foreign bodies. As soon as any growth appears, it's important to note that genital warts often resemble cauliflower, papillae, or cock's comb shapes, by which time the growth has already reached a larger stage. If wart-like protrusions appear initially, one should seek medical advice at a hospital. If uncertain about whether the condition is genital warts and there is a history of high-risk sexual behaviors, it's advisable to consult a specialist dermatologist or venereologist. Experienced doctors can make a preliminary assessment using the acetic acid test.

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Written by Li Ya Ping
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How long does it take for genital warts to show symptoms?

How long does it take for symptoms to appear after contracting genital warts, specifically, the virus involved is the human papillomavirus (HPV)? After contracting such a virus, the symptoms appear following an incubation period, which generally lasts from one to eight months, with an average period of about three months. This means that some patients may engage in unprotected sexual activities, and after contracting HPV through such activities, they might start showing symptoms of genital warts between one to eight months later, with the average being three months. The symptoms typically begin as small bumps on the genitalia which may gradually increase in number and size, eventually forming wart-like or cauliflower-like growths.

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What should I do about condyloma acuminatum at the urethral opening?

For condyloma acuminata occurring at the urethral meatus, it is first necessary to enhance local cleanliness to prevent secondary bacterial infections. In terms of diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink more water, and provide immune modulation and other symptomatic support. Laser removal of the warts is the first choice, supplemented by photodynamic therapy for the skin, once a week, continuously for three to six times as a basic regimen. Oral administration of thymopeptide enteric capsules and Awei-A capsules, among other medications; the wart and surrounding tissues can be treated topically with Kangfuxin solution or Huangbai solution for wet compresses. After the surface liquid dries, apply recombinant human alpha-2b interferon gel to inhibit the replication of the virus and prevent recurrence of symptoms. Rest is important. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor).