Signs and Symptoms

Genital warts may appear as:

• Small, soft, skin-colored or pink bumps

• Single growths or multiple cauliflower-like clusters

• Flat, raised, smooth, or rough lesions

Other symptoms:

• Mild itching

• Discomfort or irritation

• Increased sensitivity

• Rarely, bleeding, especially after friction (sex, scratching, tight clothing)

Many people have no symptoms, silent HPV infection.

Common Sites Where Warts Appear

In Females

• Vulva

• Vagina

• Cervix

• Groin folds

• Perineal & perianal area

In Males

• Penis

• Scrotum

• Groin

• Thighs

• Perianal region

In Both

• Around anus

• Lower abdomen

• Inner thighs

Prevention & Safe Practices

1. Safe Sexual Practices

• Avoid sexual activity until warts are treated

• Use condoms every time (reduces chances, but does not fully prevent HPV transmission)

• Avoid shaving/waxing over warts,  can cause spread

• Avoid tight undergarments that irritate the area

• Maintain good hygiene

2. Partner Awareness

• Inform your partner

• Partner should also be examined

• Avoid sharing towels, razors, or intimate grooming tools

3. Strengthen Immunity for genital warts treatment

HPV flares more when immunity is low.
Sleep well, reduce stress, eat healthy, avoid smoking.

 HPV Vaccination for Prevention

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent HPV related warts and certain cancers.

 HPV Vaccines Available in India

1. Cervarix – protects against HPV 16, 18

2. Gardasil 4 – protects against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18
   (includes genital wart protection)

   
   

   
   

3. Gardasil 9 – protects against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18 + 5 more high-risk types

   
   

 Recommended Vaccination Schedule ?

 For Girls & Boys (Age 9–14 years)

2-dose schedule

• 1st dose: Day 0

• 2nd dose: After 6 months

 For Age 15–45 years (Both male & female)

3-dose schedule

• Dose 1: Day 0

• Dose 2: After 1–2 months

• Dose 3: At 6 months

 Which vaccine is better?

• Cervarix - protection mainly against cervical cancer

• Gardasil 4 - protection against cervical cancer & genital warts

• Gardasil 9 - broadest protection (recommended when available)

Vaccination After Treatment ?

YES—vaccination is strongly recommended even after wart removal for both:

• Men

• Women

Because:

• It reduces future HPV infections

• Lowers recurrence risk

• Prevents high-risk HPV strains that may cause cancer

Don’t Panic — Genital Warts Are Absolutely Treatable

Genital warts may look worrying, but they are:

• Common

• Non-cancerous

• Completely treatable

With proper dermatological care at SkinPrayag, most warts respond well to:

• Cryotherapy

• Chemical cauterization

• Laser removal

• Radiofrequency

• Medical creams

• Minor procedures

Important tips about Genital warts treatment

• Chemical ablation by Podowart, TCA is to be done by dermatologist. Never self use them .
  
• Visible warts can be removed, the underlying virus may persist, so recurrence is possible.
  
• Virus persistence and possibility of recurrence, makes regular  follow-up important.
  
• Removing warts doesn’t mean the virus is gone. So follow-up, monitoring, safe practices, and sometimes repeat treatments are needed.
  

FAQs About Genital Warts (HPV Warts)

1. What are genital warts?

Genital warts are small, soft growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They may look like skin-colored bumps or small cauliflower-like clusters.

2. How do genital warts spread?

They spread mainly through:

• Skin-to-skin sexual contact

• Oral or anal contact

• Rarely, by sharing infected personal items
  HPV can spread even when warts are not visible.

3. Do genital warts cause pain?

Most warts are painless. Some people may feel mild itching, discomfort or irritation.

4. Can genital warts go away on their own?

Sometimes they shrink on their own, but the virus stays in the body, and warts can come back. Medical treatment gives faster and safer results.

5. How are genital warts diagnosed?

A dermatologist can diagnose them by looking at the affected area. In women, an internal examination may be needed.

6. What treatments are available at SkinPrayag?

We offer:

• Topical medical creams
  
• Podowart / chemical cauterization
  
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
  
• Radiofrequency / electrocautery removal
  
• Laser wart removal
  
• Surgical excision in selected cases
  

Treatment is chosen based on the size, number, and location of warts.

7. Is wart removal painful?

Most treatments cause only mild discomfort. We use numbing creams or local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

8. Can genital warts come back after treatment?

Yes. The virus (HPV) can remain in the skin. Good immunity, safe practices, and follow-ups help reduce recurrence.

9. Are genital warts dangerous?

The HPV types that cause genital warts are usually low-risk and do not cause cancer.
However, women should still continue regular Pap smears to monitor cervical health.

10. Is it safe to have sex if I have genital warts?

Avoid sexual activity until your warts are treated. Even with condoms, HPV can spread through uncovered skin.

11. Can my partner also get infected?

Yes. It is important your partner gets checked and treated if necessary.

12. Can I treat genital warts at home?

No. Over-the-counter wart removers for hands/feet should not be used on genital skin. They can burn or damage the delicate area.

13. Can genital warts affect pregnancy?

Most pregnant women have no complications. Treatment is usually planned safely. Always inform your dermatologist if you are pregnant.

14. Does the HPV vaccine help?

Yes. HPV vaccination prevents many strains of the virus and reduces the risk of warts and certain cancers. It is recommended for both boys and girls.

15. When should I see a dermatologist?

If you notice:

• Any new bumps, growths, or itching in genital area

• Recurrence after previous treatment

• Doubt whether it’s a wart or something else

16. Can I have sex if I have genital warts?

It is best to avoid sexual activity until your warts are fully treated. Sexual contact can increase irritation, cause bleeding, and spread the virus to your partner.

17. Can sex make my warts worse?

Yes. Friction during sex may, irritate the warts, increase itching, cause small tears, lead to bleeding. This can also increase the chance of transmission.

18. Can genital warts bleed during sex?

• Yes, they can.
  
• Warts are soft, delicate growths. Friction or pressure can make them injured and bleed.
  
• If bleeding occurs, avoid sex and consult your dermatologist for proper care.
  

19. Should I use a condom if I have genital warts?

• Yes. Condoms reduce the risk of passing HPV to your partner.
  
• However, HPV can spread from skin areas not covered by the condom, so it is not 100% protective.
  

20. When can I safely resume sexual activity?

You can resume sex when:

• all visible warts are removed

• the skin has healed completely

• your dermatologist confirms it is safe

Even after treatment, use condoms to reduce future transmission.

21. Should my partner get checked if I have genital warts?

Yes. Even if your partner has no visible symptoms, HPV can still be present. A check-up allows early detection and timely treatment.

22. Will sex treatment or abstinence help warts go away faster?

Avoiding sex prevents irritation and injury, allowing the skin to heal faster. It also reduces the chance of spreading the infection to your partner.

Confidentiality & Privacy at SkinPrayag

At SkinPrayag, your privacy is our highest priority.
All consultations, examinations, and treatments,  especially for sensitive conditions like genital warts,  are handled with complete confidentiality.

• Your personal information is never shared.

• Your records are securely stored.

• Discussions stay strictly between you and your dermatologist.

• We create a comfortable, judgment-free environment so you can speak openly about your concerns.

You can trust SkinPrayag for genital wart treatment in Delhi. We offer safe, discreet, and respectful care at every step.