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Genital warts

Definition

Genital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease. Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Alternative Names

Condylomata acuminata; Penile warts; Human papilloma virus (HPV); Venereal warts; Condyloma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The virus responsible for genital warts is called human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus can cause warts on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around the anus.

HPV infection around the genitals is common, although most people have no symptoms. Even if you do NOT have symptoms, however, you must be treated to avoid complications and spreading the condition to others.

There are more than 70 different types of HPV. Several types are associated with genital warts. Other types are associated with common or flat warts elsewhere on the skin.

HPV grows well in the moist genital area. Warts on the outer genitals are easily recognized. They are raised, flesh-colored lesions that may occur singly or in clusters. Left untreated, warts may rapidly enlarge, taking on a "cauliflower-like" appearance.

In women, HPV can invade the vagina and cervix. These warts are flat and not easily visible without special procedures.

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Warts (7 images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus. They are generally harmless. However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they itch or hurt (particularly on the feet. The different types of warts include: Common warts usually appear on the hands, but can appear anywhere; Flat warts are generally found on the face and forehead. They are common in children, less so in teens, and rare in adults; Genital warts are usually found on the genitals, in the pubic area, and the area between the thighs, but can appear inside the vagina and anal canal; Plantar wartsare found on the soles of the feet; Subungual and periungual warts appear under and around the fingernails or toenails. Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 04/12/2007

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