What Warts Look Like: See Photos of the Lesions

Warts can be flat, or stalked, and usually have no symptoms. See photos of warts in women and men.

HPV - Warts: Images

What are Warts? Warts are skin lesions caused by infection with the HPV virus. HPV is a family of 200 different viruses that affects both women and men equally, as it is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and direct skin-to-skin contact with warts. Warts (HPV) are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases, as even condom use does not fully prevent the transmission of the virus.

Warts & Areas of Appearance Warts in Men Genitals Warts on the penis, testicles, and groin area. Anus Perianal warts and in the rectum. Mouth Warts on the lips, tongue, gums, and pharynx. Warts in Women Genitals Warts on the vulva, vagina, cervix, and groin area. Anus Perianal warts and in the rectum. Mouth Warts on the lips, tongue, gums, and pharynx.

Self-examination for Warts It is important to be able to recognize what warts look like, so you can detect them early on your body or on your sexual partners and take precautions. The best way to detect warts is by touch and sight. In areas you cannot see, you can use your fingers to locate warts and skin lesions. It is also a good idea to ask your sexual partner to thoroughly check areas you cannot easily see yourself. During self-examination, the person checking the area by touch should wear disposable protective gloves, as warts can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact!

Genital Warts & Symptoms Genital warts can be flat or pedunculated, usually asymptomatic, and rarely cause itching. Many people remain asymptomatic for years after contact with HPV and do not develop warts, while others develop warts after a few weeks or months. Thus, people often do not know which sexual partner infected them (transmitted the warts) and do not realize that they can transmit them. Often, people confuse other skin conditions or even normal skin variations with warts. Therefore, a visit to a Dermatologist-Venereologist is imperative so that if another problem exists, it can be diagnosed and treated appropriately.

Tips for Genital Warts Tip #No1 Maintenance Treatment In some cases, beyond the doctor's re-examination of the area a few weeks after treatment, a repeat treatment may be necessary if warts have reappeared. Therefore, the removal of warts does not mean that we should not continue to perform frequent check-ups. Tip #No2 Abstinence from Sexual Practices After wart removal, we avoid sexual intercourse for a few days as the area after treatment may be irritated, and there is certainly a risk of infection. Tip #No3 Examination of Sexual Partner If we have a steady sexual partner, we encourage them to undergo the necessary examinations for early diagnosis of warts, so as to avoid the possibility of re-infection. Below you can see some photos of skin conditions or lesions on the genitals that are not caused by the HPV virus; therefore, they are NOT warts.

Ask the doctor Dr. Loizidis Christoforos Dermatologist - Venereologist 210 69 29 999

Written by Facemed Scientific Team on Apr 22, 2020 - Reviewed by Dr. Loizidis Christoforos updated Dec 30, 2024 Symptoms Pimples on the genitals

I have developed some pimples that look like warts. How will I know if they are or not?

If the lesions presented are itchy, painful, or contain pus, then they are not warts. Warts do not itch and do not resemble pimples, as many people mistakenly believe. They are usually perceived only by touch and sight as lesions, as they do not cause pain. The best way to find out if you have warts or not is to visit a Dermatologist - Venereologist. This is because the lesions may not be warts but symptoms of another sexually transmitted disease or inflammation in the area.

Can I get warts from a toilet or swimming pool?

The chances of transmitting the virus through sharing a toilet are very small, as direct skin contact with the affected area is required. Furthermore, HPV is a virus that does not survive outside the human body.

What is the best way to treat warts?

In most cases, Co2 laser ablation, i.e., cauterization, is the best option. This is because it effectively treats warts without requiring repetition, unless new warts appear in other areas. Furthermore, it does not leave scars on the area, unlike some other treatment methods. However, the appropriate method for treating warts is determined by the Dermatologist - Venereologist, as often a combination of in-office treatment with pharmaceutical preparations and ointments that must be applied at home is required.

I have been diagnosed with the HPV virus in the past. Is it too late to get the vaccine now?

No. The vaccine can protect against other strains of the virus. In addition, there is a possibility that it may slow down or even prevent the reappearance of lesions caused by the already existing strain in the human body.

I have treated warts but they keep coming back. What should I do?

Treating warts requires patience, as they can reappear even after many years. The recurrence of warts can be affected by a weakened immune system or reinfection with the virus. After treatment, sexual contact should be avoided for a period, and if there is a permanent sexual partner, it is recommended that they also be examined for the possible presence of warts.

Since condoms do not offer full protection against HPV, why should I use them?

Condoms can only provide protection to/from the areas they cover. So, even to that extent, they reduce the chances of transmission. Furthermore, condom use is mandatory, as it provides protection against other sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

What might you have heard them called?

Pimples in the vagina, moles on the genitals, pointed warts, fleshy moles on the genitals, dark color on the genitals are some of the descriptions you may have heard and that may have led you to suspect that you or your partner may have warts. However, diagnosis is not always easy and requires the doctor's experience during the clinical examination to provide the answer.

How are warts transmitted?

The HPV virus is transmitted through direct contact with the affected area, through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral), during childbirth from the pregnant woman to the newborn, and through sexual aids.