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Dermatology25 papers

Genital warts

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Genital warts are benign skin growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), commonly affecting the genital and perianal regions. They are highly contagious and can occur in both males and females, often transmitted through sexual contact 14.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical examination by a healthcare provider is essential for diagnosis 1.
  • Histopathological examination may be necessary for confirmation, especially in atypical presentations 13.
  • Retrograde urethrography can help diagnose intraurethral condylomata acuminata 13.
  • Management

  • First-line treatments include topical agents such as podophyllin 12.
  • Imiquimod, a topical immune response modifier, is also commonly used 15.
  • Semisurgical methods like ligation with silk threads can be effective for extensive lesions 11.
  • Human leukocyte interferon has shown success but with notable side effects like fever and myalgia 9.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Condyloma acuminatum can occur in children, suggesting non-sexual transmission mechanisms 810.
  • Pregnancy: Specific management considerations for pregnant women are not detailed in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Comorbidities: No specific management adjustments for elderly or comorbid conditions are mentioned 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize clinical examination and histopathological confirmation for accurate diagnosis of genital warts (Evidence: Moderate 113).
  • Employ topical treatments such as podophyllin or imiquimod as first-line therapy (Evidence: Moderate 1125).
  • Consider semisurgical approaches like ligation for extensive warts (Evidence: Weak 11).
  • Monitor pediatric cases carefully due to potential non-sexual transmission (Evidence: Expert opinion 810).
  • References

    1 Ulutas KT, Cilli M. Assessing ChatGPT on Male HPV Disorders: Repeated Assessments of Urological and Dermatological Accuracy Using Evidence-Based Guidelines. Archivos espanoles de urologia 2025. link 2 Fernando I, K Edwards S, Grover D. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV national guideline for the management of Genital Molluscum in adults (2021). International journal of STD & AIDS 2022. link 3 Luong TND, Nguyen CTH, Firas AN, Van TT. Serum Zinc Level in Patients with Severe Genital Warts: A Case-Control Study in a Dermatology Hospital. Infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology 2022. link 4 Lee TS, Kothari-Talwar S, Singhal PK, Yee K, Kulkarni A, Lara N et al.. A cross-sectional study estimating the burden of illness related to genital warts in South Korea. BMJ open 2017. link 5 Urman CO, Gottlieb AB. New viral vaccines for dermatologic disease. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2008. link 6 Altman JS, Manglani KS. Recurrent condyloma acuminatum due to piercing of the penis. Cutis 1997. link 7 Nathan M. Umbilical warts: a new entity?. Genitourinary medicine 1994. link 8 Igawa M, Nakano H. Condyloma acuminatum in three-year-old girl. Urology 1992. link90256-v) 9 Szöke B. Condyloma acuminatum treated with human leukocyte interferon. The Journal of urology 1986. link46058-7) 10 Randrup ER, Sangisetty KV. Condyloma acuminatum in children. Urology 1985. link90056-1) 11 Székely JA, Nagy P, Göcze PM. Semisurgical treatment of giant condylomata. Annales chirurgiae et gynaecologiae 1985. link 12 Baruah MC, Lal S, Selvaraju M, Veliath AJ. Perianal condylomata acuminata in a male child. The British journal of venereal diseases 1984. link 13 Sawczuk I, Badillo F, Olsson CA. Condylomata acuminata: diagnosis and follow-up by retrograde urethrography. Urologic radiology 1983. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
    2. [2]
    3. [3]
      Serum Zinc Level in Patients with Severe Genital Warts: A Case-Control Study in a Dermatology Hospital.Luong TND, Nguyen CTH, Firas AN, Van TT Infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology (2022)
    4. [4]
      A cross-sectional study estimating the burden of illness related to genital warts in South Korea.Lee TS, Kothari-Talwar S, Singhal PK, Yee K, Kulkarni A, Lara N et al. BMJ open (2017)
    5. [5]
      New viral vaccines for dermatologic disease.Urman CO, Gottlieb AB Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2008)
    6. [6]
      Recurrent condyloma acuminatum due to piercing of the penis.Altman JS, Manglani KS Cutis (1997)
    7. [7]
      Umbilical warts: a new entity?Nathan M Genitourinary medicine (1994)
    8. [8]
      Condyloma acuminatum in three-year-old girl.Igawa M, Nakano H Urology (1992)
    9. [9]
      Condyloma acuminatum treated with human leukocyte interferon.Szöke B The Journal of urology (1986)
    10. [10]
      Condyloma acuminatum in children.Randrup ER, Sangisetty KV Urology (1985)
    11. [11]
      Semisurgical treatment of giant condylomata.Székely JA, Nagy P, Göcze PM Annales chirurgiae et gynaecologiae (1985)
    12. [12]
      Perianal condylomata acuminata in a male child.Baruah MC, Lal S, Selvaraju M, Veliath AJ The British journal of venereal diseases (1984)
    13. [13]
      Condylomata acuminata: diagnosis and follow-up by retrograde urethrography.Sawczuk I, Badillo F, Olsson CA Urologic radiology (1983)

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