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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
In most cases, your body's immune system defeats an HPV infection before it has a chance to create any warts. When warts do appear, they may vary in appearance depending on which variety of HPV is involved:
- Genital warts. Genital warts may appear as flat lesions, small cauliflower-like bumps or tiny stem-like protrusions. In women, genital warts appear most commonly on the vulva but may also occur near the anus, on the cervix or in the vagina. In men, genital warts may appear on the penis and scrotum or around the anus. Genital warts rarely cause discomfort or pain.
- Common warts. Common warts appear as rough, raised bumps that usually occur on the hands, fingers or around fingernails. In most cases, common warts are simply a nuisance because of their appearance, but they may also be painful or susceptible to injury or bleeding.
- Plantar warts. Plantar warts are hard, grainy growths that usually appear on the heels or balls of your feet, areas that feel the most pressure. These warts may cause discomfort or pain.
- Flat warts. Flat warts are flat-topped, slightly raised lesions darker than your regular skin color. They usually appear on your face, neck, hands, wrists, elbows or knees. HPV infections that cause flat warts usually affect children, adolescents and young adults.
Cervical cancer
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by two specific varieties of genital HPV. These two HPV strains usually don't cause warts, so women often don't realize they've been infected. Early stages of cervical cancer typically cause no signs or symptoms. That's why it's important for women to have regular Pap tests, which can detect precancerous changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer.
When to see a doctor
If you or your child has warts of any kind that cause embarrassment, discomfort or pain, seek advice from your doctor.
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- Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Online. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=4. Accessed Nov. 28, 2012.
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- Genital HPV infection: Fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm. Accessed Nov. 28, 2012.
- Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=740. Accessed Nov. 28, 2012.
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- Reichman R. Epidemiology of human papillomavirus infections. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 28, 2012.
- Palefsky JM, et al. Virology of human papillomavirus infections and the link to cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 28, 2012.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Recommendations on the use of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in males - Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recommendations and Reports. 2011:60;1705.
- Salicylic acid. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2012.
- Imiquimod. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2012.
- Podofilox. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2012.
- Mulhem E, et al. Treatment of nongenital cutaneous warts. American Family Physician. 2011;84:288.
- Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 3, 2012.
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