Answers to more questions on HPV

Answers to more questions on HPV

What do HPV warts look like?

The warts formed are skin or mucous growths that develop into little bumps that look like a hard lump of skin. The warts, termed ‘Papilloma’ are how the human papillomavirus got its name. See genital warts images here.

How long does HPV last?

In many occurrences, people may contract the virus without even knowing that have it. This is because most strains of HPV, except for those that result in warts, do not show any symptoms. In the majority of these cases the immune system can combat and clear the virus itself within two years.

Do genital warts mean I have cancer?

Having genital warts does not necessarily mean you are at risk of cancer. Low-risk types of HPV are the cause of warts, which do not cause cancer. Genital warts are a common occurrence in many young people who have HPV.

Do genital warts cause itching?

Some people with HPV will only have a few warts in the genital area. They are often soft and can be slightly raised or flat. They do not cause any pain, itching or discomfort in the lower risk strains of the virus. It is advisable to be careful not to shave over or break the warts so as to prevent their spread.

In the higher risk strains of the virus, the warts may itch, and if they are broken, the spread of the cells will result in more warts forming.

Can warts on my hands spread to my genitals?

Warts on your feet or hands cannot spread to the genital area and vice versa as they are caused by different strains of HPV. However, HPV is the cause of all warts on the body.

Is HPV an STI?

Some strains of HPV are spread through sexual contact, therefore specific strains are regarded as sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is so common in fact, that nearly all sexually active people may contract some form of the virus at some point in their lives.

Why do children get warts?

Warts are caused by HPV, they are non-cancerous growths on the skin which are formed when the virus invades the skin through a small cut or abrasion. The virus then results in the fast growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin. The strains of HPV that cause warts on the hands, feet and elbows are commonly passed from child to child. Once the skin is infected with the virus, it can take months for the warts to become visible.

Can toads and frogs cause common warts?

This is an old wives’ tale. You get warts from other people who have warts. Not from toads or frogs.

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