Genital Warts (Genital Warts)

Genital warts, also known as genital warts, are one of the sexually transmitted diseases and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The warts can appear in the intimate area of both men and women, where they continue to spread. How does infection with the virus occur? What do genital warts look like and what helps against them? Read here how to recognize genital warts by their appearance, how treatment takes place and how to protect yourself against infection. Recognize skin diseases by pictures

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are also known as genital warts, pointed condylomas or condylomata acuminata. They are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. They appear as wart-like growths that settle on the mucosa and skin of the genital and anal areas, and less commonly in the mouth. The cause of genital warts, similar to cervical cancer and some other cancers, is human papillomavirus (HPV). The more than 200 virus types include both cancer-causing types (high-risk types) such as HPV 16 and 18, and harmless representatives (low-risk types) such as HPV 6 and 11. An HPV infection with the latter disappears on its own in most cases, but if the body cannot fight the viruses itself, they lead to genital and anal genital warts in men and women.

Infection: how do you get genital warts?

The main way of transmission of genital warts is sexual intercourse. Infection can occur during a wide variety of sexual contacts, for example also during oral or anal intercourse or during intimate touching, through which contact with the infected mucous membrane occurs. In particular, injuries to the skin, for example after intimate shaving, can increase the risk of infection. Sometimes the transmission of the HP virus also occurs the smear infection through objects, such as a shared towel use or through a toilet. In most cases, two to three months pass between infection and the outbreak of genital warts – but it can also be as little as two weeks or as long as eight months. It is unclear so far whether there is a risk of infection during this so-called incubation period.

Symptoms: What do genital warts look like?

Possible symptoms by which you can recognize genital warts are itching, burning, bleeding and slight pain, although these signs occur rather rarely and especially in the later stages. Genital warts can often be recognized by their typical appearance:

In the early stages, they first appear as small (a few millimeters to later several centimeters in size), usually pointed nodules or papules that first grow singly and later in groups.
The warts are usually gray-brown, reddish, skin-colored or whitish in color.
Affected areas in women are mainly vagina, (inner and outer) labia and cervix. In men, mostly penis (for example, at the glans or foreskin) and testicles are affected.
In addition, the warts can occur on the anus, anal canal or rectum, as well as the urethra, but also in the mouth.
In the later stages, the genital warts can become larger structures that look cauliflower-like.
Sporadically, genital warts form larger clusters over time, called giant condylomas (Condylomata gigantea) or Buschke-Löwenstein tumors. In these chronic special forms of genital warts develop into large structures that resemble a cauliflower, secrete a foul odor and can break open and bleed.

Genital warts are highly infectious and severely degrade the sexual quality of life. At the same time, their existence is a taboo subject, so many sufferers often go to the doctor only when the often white genital warts are already relatively large and difficult to treat. Photos and images of genital warts help identify their appearance – Shutterstock, OliverCh

Diagnosis – recognizing genital warts

A doctor (for example, a gynecologist or proctologist) can detect genital warts in several ways. Either the doctor sees or feels the genital warts directly during the clinical examination or he makes them visible by the so-called acetic acid test. If diluted acetic acid is dabbed onto suspicious areas of skin, these areas will turn white after one to two minutes, making it possible to identify genital warts. A smear test makes it possible to test affected tissue for HPV infection.While in men the penis is the critical area, in women, in addition to the directly visible areas of the vagina, the cervix can also be affected by this type of warts. Therefore, a gynecological examination should also be performed in women.

Treatment of genital warts: what helps?

In almost every third person affected, the warts go away on their own, as the immune system can fight the HPV infection itself – although this can take several years. In the remaining 70 percent, on the other hand, it is necessary to treat the genital warts as early as possible, because the better the chances of cure. This therapy is often lengthy and laborious. Genital warts can be treated chemically and surgically. Oral medications such as tablets are currently not available. The choice of the right therapy depends on the spread, location, severity as well as the age and desire of the affected person. Since the viruses survive treatment in up to 70 percent of cases, the warts often reappear. Therefore, it is advisable to check regularly even after successful removal of the warts to see if they reappear.

Get rid of genital warts: from surgery to cream.

Possible methods of treatment to remove genital warts are:

Surgical procedures (surgery):

Large genital warts are removed by scissors, scalpel or sharp spoon.
Extensive wart fields can be burned with an electrocautery (scarring possible).
Cryotherapy (icing) is also possible. Extensive genital wart fields are iced with liquid nitrogen.
Treatment with laser can superficially cook the warts (without scars).

Removal is performed under local or general anesthesia. The risk of recurrence (recurrence risk) is e different depending on the method. Local therapy options are made with creams and solutions:

Podophyllotoxin is available as a cream or solution. This causes an inflammatory reaction, and the condylomata die. A rather complicated application scheme of the active ingredient to be handled carefully complicates the treatment of genital warts.
Trichloroacetic acid is easier to handle, can be applied weekly and achieves very good results, especially for small, soft genital warts. However, side effects such as burning and pain at the application site may occur.
Sinecatechins: ointments with an extract of green tea leaves make genital warts heal in more than one in two people. The purified dry extract contains catechins, which stimulate and modulate the immune system, and also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The catechins act directly on infected cells. However, local skin irritation is possible as side effects.

In principle, it is useful in genital warts, the partner also to examine and treat if necessary. During pregnancy, local therapies are not advisable, the removal of the warts is here usually surgically or after birth. In rare cases, however, infection of the baby occurs during birth, and the baby may develop warts in the mouth and throat area as a consequence.

Remedies and home remedies for genital warts

In addition, there are various home remedies, suppositories, creams and ointments to strengthen the immune system or to combat genital warts:

Imiquimod-containing cream, as a so-called immunomodulator, activates the skin’s immune system to fight HPV. It is applied three times a week at night. But beware: imiquimod can affect the strength of condoms. Local skin reactions, sometimes headaches, flu-like symptoms and muscle aches are possible side effects.
Tea tree oil is available over the counter and is applied two to three times a day. About the home remedy can be found many positive testimonials, but so far there is no scientific study on the treatment of genital warts with tea tree oil. Therefore, tea tree oil should only be used against genital warts after consultation with a doctor.
Zinc ointment can dry out the genital warts and help them fall off.
Under no circumstances should you express genital warts, open them, scratch them or cut yourself around, as this can promote the spread.

Prevent genital warts: how to protect yourself?

The best protection to prevent HPV infection is the HPV vaccination.Depending on the vaccine, this vaccination against cervical cancer also protects against HPV 6 and 11. However, since genital warts can be caused by numerous virus types, even vaccination does not provide complete protection. Condoms can reduce the risk of infection, but do not provide reliable protection against genital warts. This is because the human papilloma virus can also be transmitted via sites that are not covered by condoms, such as the scrotum or the anal region. In principle, it is advisable to treat genital warts at an early stage, also to protect others from infection. Discharge: normal, heavy or colored – what does it mean?