Genital warts are the result of infection by certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). The genital wart strains are different from those strains of HPV which cause bodily warts (which occur most commonly on the hands and knees). The virus causes a benign growth of epithelial tissue which develops into cauliflower-shaped bumps on the vulva, vagina, cervix and penis, and also around the anus. The genital wart, like the bodily wart, is painless, and, especially in women, may not be noticed by the patient. Sometimes the patient complains of itching or burning from the area of the warts.
HPV infection is very common; up to 30% of sexually active adults have evidence of current or past infection. The infection is important because a particular strain of HPV is known to induce pre-cancerous changes in cervical cells (see Lesson 5.2g). For this reason, a woman with warts should have annual cervical smear tests, so that any pre-cancerous changes can be followed up.
Warts can be treated by repeated application of a drug called podophyllin. This "burns" the wart away. Larger warts can be burned off by means of a laser or heat probe. Recurrence of the warts is common after both these treatments.
In Chinese medicine the genital wart is a manifestation of Damp and Phlegm.
