A guide to genital warts: 6 items to consider – symptoms, treatment options, and more

Warts are a worldwide scourge. These contagious growths affect up to 33% of children and teens. And, while warts on areas like the face or hand can certainly be a source of embarrassment and a cosmetic concern, they are generally harmless. Genital warts present additional and unique challenges. As among the most prevalent STIs, genital warts are transmitted during sex. They can be quite uncomfortable and, beyond that, are associated with an increased risk of potentially serious medical complications. As a Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Neelam Patel of Magnolia Dermatology in Clarksville, Tennessee, is trained and experienced in wart removal, whether common or genital warts. The following six items are specific to dermatologic symptoms and care for this STI.

No. 1: Origins

All warts are caused by the HPV (human papillomavirus). There are more than 200 different types of HPV, and upwards of 40 types have been implicated in genital wart infections. This virus is present among almost all sexually active individuals at some point in their lives.

No. 2: Symptoms

Affecting the moist tissues of the genitals, these warts can take on different characteristics. They may appear as small, flesh-colored bumps. Or, when a few warts cluster together, they can be “cauliflower-like” in appearance. Some genital warts are so small that you can’t see them. These warts can multiply into very large clusters among those with poorly-functioning immune systems. Symptoms go beyond their appearance; patients may complain about persistent itching and discomfort, as well as bleeding during sex.

No. 3: Complications

HPV infections have been implicated in many potentially serious complications, including cervical cancer. Certain strains of HPV have also been linked to anal, oral, pharyngeal (throat), and other cancers, too. Some higher-risk strains are associated with pregnancy complications. For instance, when warts on the walls of the vagina are not treated, they can inhibit the stretching of vaginal tissue during childbirth. Plus, without treatment, warts on the vulva or vagina can grow so large that they bleed when stretched during delivery. In rare instances, babies have been with warts in their throats, which necessitates surgery to keep the airway clear.

No. 4: Therapeutic options

Warts are largely removed with medications, excision or surgical removal, lasers, and cryotherapy. The most appropriate option is based on several wart-specific and patient-specific characteristics, including:

• Number of warts
• Size of warts
• Where the warts are located
• Patient preferences
• Treatment costs, processes, side effects

No. 5: Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy may be appropriate for many patients with small- to mid-sized warts. It is a common and highly effective procedure involving “freezing off” the warts by applying liquid nitrogen directly to the infected sites. The cold source is only in contact with the growth for 10 to 20 seconds. Discomfort associated with this fast treatment can be managed with a local topical or injectable anesthetic. This is generally indicated for patients with warts in numerous areas or those with big growths. Treated warts will naturally and safely fall off. You will be given instructions on caring for the sites following your procedure. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that cryotherapy for genital warts has a clearance rate of 60% to 90%, with the most common effects being pain and blisters at the application sites.

No. 6: Tailored treatment

It may be necessary to try other methods to fully clear your warts based on your overall health, wart recurrence/treatment response, and more. These methods include topical medications, excision/removal with surgery, the application of Trichloroacetic acid in-office, and laser-assisted therapy. It’s important to note that HPV infections cannot be “cured”; affected patients and their partners are at increased risk of the cancers mentioned above, and affected women or female sex partners of men with genital warts should have regular Pap smears due to their elevated risk. It is crucial to practice safe sex, as the HPV virus is still present after the warts have been removed and can be spread further.

As a dermatologic manifestation of an STI, these warts should never be ignored. Magnolia Dermatology is here to provide a range of options for symptom relief. Contact our team in Clarksville, TN, at (931) 551-2929 to request a consultation today.

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