Genital warts are caused by a common virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV). But the visual presence of genital warts may not appear immediately after contracting HPV; sometimes it can take years before genital warts finally appear.
Not everyone infected with HPV will develop genital warts though; some may be infected and not develop any warts at all. This is called asymptomatic infection, wherein the person with HPV will not produce warts.
Genital warts can be seen on the skin anywhere in the genital area and they may appear as white or flesh-colored, smooth, small bumps; or they can be a bit larger and fleshy lumps, as seen in the genital warts pictures below.
Genital warts (condyloma acuminata or venereal warts) are caused by a group of viruses called human papilloma viruses (HPV).
Pictures of Genital Warts
Both men and women can be affected by HPV.
1. Genital Warts Picture in Women
Genital warts in women can be found both inside and outside of the vagina and the inner thighs. Some warts can also appear on the anal region, visible on the area surrounding the anus.
These genital warts pictures show female genital warts present inside the vagina, the anal region and outside the vagina.
2. Genital Warts Picture in Men
Genital warts in men can be visible on the penis, the scrotum, the testicles, thighs and around the anus.
These genital warts pictures show penile genital warts on the penis.
Genital warts may appear as either as flesh-toned or gray growths that are either raised or flat on, in and around the genitals. They can grow in clusters resembling a cauliflower but they can also appear in singles.
Symptoms of Genital Warts:
Genital warts are generally painless but they can be a little uncomfortable because of their location, their size and the itching they cause.
Painless bumps, itching and vaginal discharge are the most common genital warts symptoms.
When the warts involve the urethral area or the part where urine exits the body, bleeding or urinary tract obstruction may also be present.
Treatments for Genital Warts:
There is actually no known treatment to completely heal and eliminate genital warts. But there are some treatments that may help in lessening the symptoms.
Common treatments for genital warts may include:
The use of podophyllin resin: it should be applied by a doctor or a nurse to avoid damage to healthy tissue surrounding the warts.
Patients can use a home treatment like podopfilox lotion; this can be applied twice a day for at least 3 days, then a rest on the 4th day. This lotion has very few side effects and is very suitable for home use.
Cyrotherapy is a genital warts treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze recurring genital warts.
Genital warts can also be treated with laser treatments and surgery incision to get rid of the warts.