Warts are very common and are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and affect both men and women. There are many types of warts; those found on the external genitals are a different sub-type to those that may infect the cervix and predispose to cervical cancer. So genital warts are not an indicator of a higher risk of cervical cancer. Warts on hands cannot be spread to genitals and similarly those on the genitals cannot spread to other body parts.
Signs and symptoms of genital warts Genital warts usually form in cauliflower-like groups on the skin and range in size from 1-10mm each. Usually they are not painful, although they can cause irritation. It can take between 2 weeks and 2 years from initial infection before symptoms are evident, although the virus will have been present and potentially active. Warts may appear on:
• The vagina; • The penis; • The cervix; • In and around the anus.
They can also form in and around the mouth after oral sex.
Transmission and prevention of genital warts Warts are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. They can be transmitted:
• During vaginal, anal and occasionally oral sex with an infected person; • Close skin contact with an infected person.
Preventing transmission is difficult - condoms are usually ineffectual as the area left uncovered may contain the virus. Sexual partners, both current and past, of infected individuals will benefit from a sexual health screen.
Treatment of genital warts There are several treatment options for genital warts:
• Cryotherapy or freezing using liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. • Painting with podophyllin cream or liquid; a natural plant extract applied to the skin and washed off 4-6 hours later. • Imiquimod cream, applied to affected areas to stimulate immune response. • Hyfrecatin, reserved for difficult cases, involves the use of electrical current to burn warts.
