Symptoms of genital warts

Written by Zhai Yu Juan
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 04, 2024
00:00
00:00

Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus, also known as the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease. As a classic STD, it is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, but it can also be transmitted through mother-to-child transmission, blood, and close personal contact. Clinically, genital warts primarily manifest as cauliflower-like growths on the external genitalia and are prevalent among sexually active populations. After diagnosing genital warts, treatments such as laser or cryotherapy can be used to remove the warts. Additionally, genital warts are prone to recurrence in the short term, requiring regular visits to the hospital outpatient clinic.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
44sec home-news-image

What medicine can cure genital warts?

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause significant harm to both the physical and mental health of patients. The treatment of genital warts mainly involves topical medications and physical therapy, with oral medications used as supplemental treatments. For topical medications, choices include imiquimod cream or interferon gel, while oral medications may include immune-boosting drugs such as transfer factor oral liquid. Finally, physical therapies such as cryotherapy or laser treatment can be used to remove the warts. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Initial symptoms of genital warts in women

The initial symptoms of genital warts in women are usually some pale red, soft, and tiny papules which then gradually increase in size and number. These papules may merge with each other, with some overlapping, and the surface becomes rough, resembling cauliflower or cockscomb, or nipple-like formations. If the area is moist and warm or exposed to chronic irritation, the warts can grow more rapidly. Generally, genital warts in women, after being infiltrated by secretions, turn a dirty grey or red color and have a rather soft texture. The base of the genital warts usually has some stalk-like structures. Some genital warts may erode and exude fluid, which also makes them prone to secondary bacterial infections, leading to foul smells. Genital warts in women are primarily caused by the human papillomavirus infection, and the treatment typically involves the use of methods like carbon dioxide laser or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
37sec home-news-image

What is genital warts?

Genital warts are a common skin disease and a type of sexually transmitted disease. The primary mode of transmission for genital warts is through sexual contact. They can also be transmitted indirectly or from mother to child. Initially, genital warts manifest as small, moist, and soft papules. As the warts grow in size and number, they can develop into growths resembling a rooster's comb. It is crucial to treat genital warts promptly due to their high infectivity and recurrence rate, as they pose a serious risk to health.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
1min 5sec home-news-image

What should I do after being infected with genital warts?

Genital warts are mainly transmitted through sexual contact and are caused by an HPV virus infection. This disease is highly contagious and recurrent. Once infected, one should not engage in sexual contact and must seek standard treatment at the dermatology department of a formal hospital. Initial treatment typically involves using laser to remove the warts, followed by the application of antiviral medications and oral medications to boost immunity. The treatment period for this disease is quite lengthy, and there is a very high recurrence rate half a month after the first treatment, necessitating multiple treatments at the hospital. During treatment, it is advised to avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol, increase exercise, and enhance immunity. If the disease repeatedly recurs and treatments are ineffective, photodynamic therapy can also be considered. Overall, the treatment costs are relatively high, but with long-term persistent treatment, it can be cured.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
47sec home-news-image

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.