What is wrong with genital warts?

HPV infection is a viral infection that usually causes the skin or mucous membranes to grow and cause genital warts. There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV), some of which are high-risk and some low-risk. Genital warts are often confused with some other sexually transmitted diseases; Therefore, the diagnosis of genital warts should be left only to an experienced doctor. By reading this article, you will become more familiar with the characteristics of genital warts. Fortunately, with the use of ointments or pills to treat genital warts today, this disease can be easily treated, especially in the early stages.

Diagnosis of genital warts according to the symptoms

Many people with HPV have no symptoms and do not even know they have the virus. Wart-like lesions are the most common symptom of HPV. As mentioned, there are more than 100 types of HPV, and the symptoms of each are slightly different. Only some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Some types of genital warts are high risk and can lead to cancer. Warts that can be caused by HPV can be in one of the following ways:

• Single warts
• Cluster warts
• Appearance similar to cauliflower

The same types of HPV that cause genital warts can also cause warts in the mouth and throat. The symptoms of genital warts are in many ways similar to some other diseases:

The difference between HPV and genital herpes

Herpes simplex virus has two types, one of which causes oral herpes and the other causes genital herpes. Like HPV, genital herpes may have no symptoms or be so mild that it may not be noticeable at all. The symptoms of genital herpes are as follows:

• Flu-like symptoms include swollen glands, fever, chills, and headache
• Burning or tingling sensation at the site of infection
• Pain and itching in the genital area
• Red bumps and blisters that may also have discharge
• Pain or back pain
• Urinary incontinence

Genital warts and genital herpes can both be asymptomatic. In genital herpes, sores and blisters usually have secretions and itching and pain are seen after infection, while the most common sign of genital warts can be considered only the presence of warts.

What is the difference between genital herpes and HPV?

Both men and women can get genital warts. Genital acne is one of these types of pimples that is not sexually transmitted and its cause is inflammation, excessive secretion of sebum and infection of hair follicles in the genital area. Genital warts, especially if they are purulent, are often white on the head and appear painful to the touch, while genital warts do not.

The difference between syringoma and genital warts

Syringoma is a benign and benign gland that occurs mostly below the eyelid and above the cheeks. The cause of syringoma is the overgrowth of cells from the sweat glands. Syringoma is usually seen in the form of small bumps of yellow or brown color, and sometimes it also appears in the genital area, creating the suspicion that it may be a genital wart. Of course, it is not difficult for a doctor to diagnose genital warts from syringoma. This complication is usually painless and itchy and most people treat it just for the sake of beauty.

Do not confuse seborrheic keratosis with HPV

Seborrheic keratosis is also a benign, noncancerous gland that may appear white, brown, tan, and black. This gland may be bulging and may be confused with genital warts. Seborrheic keratosis often occurs on the abdomen, chest, face, neck, hands, and other areas exposed to the sun, but it can also occur in the genital area. Sometimes seborrheic keratosis may not cause any bumps at all, while genital warts, if visible in the form of warts, have bumps and are quite palpable. As mentioned earlier, the diagnosis of genital warts must be left to a specialist so as not to be confused with other diseases and complications.

Genital warts may be hidden in the body for weeks and months after having sex with an infected person and have no symptoms. When your immune system is weakened, the virus shows up.

Pearl papules on the penis

Pearl papules are small, skin-colored bumps that form on the cap of the penis and are not dangerous to the person. Pearl papules are not sexually transmitted and are not contagious. It is not difficult to diagnose genital warts from pearl papules and the doctor can do it easily. Usually no special treatment is needed for pearly papules in men and this complication disappears over time.

Diagnosis of genital warts from moles in the genital area

Sometimes the appearance of one or more moles on the genitals may give the impression that a person may have genital warts. Moles can appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals. Because some moles can become cancerous if the mole grows, you should see a doctor right away, but genital warts are usually easily recognizable from the moles that form in this area.

The difference between skin tags and HPV

Skin tag is a type of skin appendage that is benign and painless and hangs from the surface of the skin. Skin tags are safe and non-contagious and can sometimes be confused with hemorrhoids. Skin tags are colorless and often occur in women due to hormonal changes. Lasers are commonly used to treat this type of skin appendage. Your doctor can easily identify a skin lump from a genital wart.

Other ways to diagnose genital warts

If your doctor does not diagnose genital warts, he or she may use other methods:

Diagnosis of genital warts with vinegar

In this method, vinegar solution is poured on the genital areas infected with HPV and whitens those parts. In this case, bed lesions that are not easily recognizable will be visible.

Diagnosis of genital warts in women with Pap smear test

The doctor will send a sample of cervical or vaginal cells to the lab for analysis and identify abnormalities that may lead to cancer in the future so that treatment can begin in a timely and principled manner.

DNA testing to diagnose HPV

The test is also done on cervical cells to detect the DNA of high-risk types of HPV that are linked to genital cancers.

Ways to diagnose genital warts in men

In men, genital warts should usually be diagnosed based on the symptoms. Vinegar method can also be used, but this method is not very valid and scientific and there is a possibility of error. In some cases, Pap smears may be used for anal tests and the collected sample may be sent to a laboratory for further testing.

Concluding remarks

Genital warts should only be diagnosed by a doctor. Sometimes just looking at the symptoms is enough, but sometimes more tests are needed, such as a Pap smear. We suggest that you see a doctor if you notice any appendages in the genitals to have a complete examination and start treatment if necessary.