Genital Warts – An Introduction
Definition
Warts are either small white or red bumps that can be raised or flat. They are non-cancerous, painless tumours found on the body. They appear as white clusters, resembling a cauliflower. Warts are caused by a viral infection, specifically by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Body areas affected
Warts usually appear on the hands, feet and sometimes the face. They often affect just one part of the body like hands or feet or neck without spreading over time to other areas. Genital warts, as the name suggests, appear in the genital area.
What are the causes?
Warts are caused by viral skin infections, specifically caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are approximately 130 strains of HPV. However, Types 1, 2, and 3 cause most of the common warts. Warts are infectious and you can get them from using handtowels or other objects used by an infected person, or by touching the skin of an infected person.
Chances of infection
Though warts are infectious, most are not dangerous. However, if you are sexually active and have genital warts, which may be associated with cervical cancer, you should get yourself treated immediately.
Prevention and solutions
As genital warts are usually spread via sexual contact, they can be prevented by having safe sex. Many doctors also recommend the use of Gardasil, a vaccine aimed at preventing cervical cancers by preventing the spread of genital warts. Commonly used treatments for genital warts include topical treatments like Wartrol or the ones containing salicylic acid, and herbal supplements that kill the HPV. However, a complicating factor in the treatment of warts is that the wart may re-grow after it has been removed.
August 27 2010 08:15 am | Featured and Health Aids