Genital Warts or Not?

If you or someone you know is dealing with genital warts or suspects they might have them, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we'll cover what genital warts are, their causes, how to treat them, and how to distinguish them from other conditions that may look similar but are not warts.

 

What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts also known as condylomata acuminata are growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a diverse virus family known for causing warts in various body areas, including the hands, feet, and genitals. Specifically, the strains causing genital warts are often found in the genital and anal areas and can occasionally be linked to oral and anal cancers, though this is rare.

The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sexual activity, where infected cells can transfer to healthy skin or mucous membranes. One key point to understand is that it can take anywhere from a few days to several years for warts to appear after infection. Therefore, having genital warts does not necessarily mean recent sexual infidelity; the virus can lay dormant for a long time.

 

Identifying Genital Warts

Genital warts appear as small, rough bumps that can vary in color from skin-toned to pink, gray, or even black. They typically cluster in the genital area, affecting the penis, scrotum, and vulva. While they can appear anywhere in the anal-genital region, these areas are the most common sites due to the virus's preference.

 

Treatment Options

Treatment for genital warts aims to remove the warts and manage symptoms. The most effective methods include:

- Destructive Treatments: Techniques such as liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), electrocautery, and blistering agents like cantharidin are commonly used. These methods physically destroy the warts.

- Topical Treatments: Creams and solutions like imiquimod, podophyllin, and 5-fluorouracil can be applied directly to the warts. These treatments help to remove the warts over time.

- Immunotherapy: In some cases, treatments that stimulate the immune system, such as injections of antigens like Candida or the MMR vaccine, can be used to help the body recognize and destroy the warts.

The duration of treatment varies widely, from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors like the number of warts, the patient’s immune status, and the chosen treatment method.

 

Distinguishing Genital Warts from Other Conditions

Several other conditions can mimic genital warts, which can be distressing if mistaken for warts. Some common look-alikes include:

- Seborrheic Keratosis: These are benign, often wart-like growths that can appear on the genitals but are usually non-infectious. A biopsy can help differentiate them from actual warts.

- Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Small, skin-colored or yellowish bumps found on the genitals, which are not infectious and often require no treatment unless for cosmetic reasons.

- Pearly Penile Papules: These are small, harmless bumps that appear in a ring around the head of the penis, distinct from genital warts in their pattern.

- Syringoma: Small, skin-colored or translucent bumps that can appear on the genitals and are benign.

 

Conclusion

Genital warts are caused by specific HPV strains and require treatment to remove them. While various treatment options are available, from destructive techniques to topical treatments and immunotherapy, the best approach depends on the individual case. It’s crucial to differentiate genital warts from other similar-looking conditions to ensure appropriate treatment.

Thanks for reading and God bless.

 

Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist