WARTS, VENEREAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Warts in the genital area (includes the urethra, genitals and rectum). These are more contagious than other warts. Evidence suggests that the virus that causes venereal warts may also be associated with genital malignancies.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Urethra; genitals; rectum.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes of sexually active adolescents and adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Venereal warts have the following characteristics:

• They appear on moist surfaces, especially the penis, entrance to the vagina and entrance to the rectum.
• They are thin, flexible, solid elevations of the skin, growing in stalks or clusters. They are taller than they are wide.
• Each wart measures 1mm to 2mm in diameter, but clusters may be quite large.
• They don't hurt or itch.

CAUSES--Venereal warts are caused by a subtype of the same virus that causes other warts, human papilloma virus (HPV), but they are more contagious. They spread easily on the skin of the infected person and pass easily to other people. They are usually transmitted sexually, often as a result of poor hygiene. They have an incubation of 1 to 6 months.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Poor nutrition.
• Other venereal disease.
• Multiple sexual partners.
• Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.
• Poor hygiene.
• Not using condoms.
• In children, warts may be a sign of sexual abuse.

HOW TO PREVENT--

To prevent spread of warts to other parts of the body or to other persons:

• Don't scratch warts.
• Avoid sexual activity until warts heal completely.
• Use latex condoms during sexual intercourse.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Sexual partners of infected persons need to be examined also.
• Medical tests including biopsy of tissue, colposcopy, anoscopy and Pap smear (See Glossary for all).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Treatment will be determined by size and location of warts.
• Small warts may be treated with topical applications.
• For larger warts, application of liquid nitrogen to warts (cryotherapy).
• Some larger warts require laser treatment, electrocoagulation or surgical excision.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Female cervical disorders, including cancer.
• In males, urinary obstruction.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--These small warts usually cause no symptoms. If untreated, they probably will disappear eventually. However, because the virus may be associated with genital malignancy, obtain medical treatment. Recurrence is common and retreatment is necessary.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• These warts are generally treated with chemicals: podophyllin, trichloracetic acid or liquid nitrogen. After applying any of these, wait 4 hours; then wash the treated area carefully.
• Follow your doctor's instructions. Compliance with your medical treatment plan is essential for the best outcome.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe podophyllin, a topical medication. It may be applied by the doctor or you may use it for self-treatment. Follow all instructions carefully. Don't use it if you are pregnant.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions, except to avoid sexual relations until warts are completely gone.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of venereal warts.
• The following occurs after treatment: The treated area becomes infected (red, swollen, painful or tender). Fever. You feel generally ill.