Genital warts are common growths that appear on the skin around the genitals and anus. They are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are typically transmitted through sexual contact. While their appearance might sometimes resemble pimples or other skin blemishes, attempting to “pop” or self-treat genital warts is not recommended. Medical professionals advise against such actions due to the nature of these growths and potential complications.
Why Popping Is Ineffective
Genital warts differ significantly from pimples, which are typically fluid-filled lesions resulting from clogged pores and bacterial infection. Unlike pimples, genital warts are solid growths composed of skin cells that have been infected and stimulated to multiply by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are not filled with pus or fluid that can be squeezed out. Because they are a viral growth, trying to pop them would be ineffective in removing the wart and would not eliminate the underlying viral infection.
Risks of Attempting to Pop
Trying to pop genital warts carries several significant risks. One major concern is autoinoculation, which means spreading the virus to other body areas. When you manipulate or break the skin of a wart, infectious HPV particles can transfer to surrounding healthy skin, leading to new outbreaks.
Such actions also create open wounds, making the area susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. These infections can cause increased pain, swelling, and redness, and may require additional medical treatment.
Furthermore, aggressive attempts can result in scarring, which may be permanent. Self-treatment can also delay proper diagnosis and medical intervention, allowing warts to grow larger or spread, and potentially masking other conditions that might resemble them.
Proper Medical Management
Seeking professional medical advice is important for accurate diagnosis and effective management of genital warts. A healthcare provider can properly identify them and differentiate them from other conditions that might have a similar appearance, such as skin tags or certain sexually transmitted infections. While some warts may resolve on their own within a few months, medical treatment is often recommended to remove visible warts and alleviate symptoms.
Treatment options administered by healthcare professionals vary depending on the wart’s size, location, and number. These can include topical medications, creams or solutions applied directly to the warts, some of which patients can apply at home.
Other procedures performed in a clinic setting include cryotherapy, where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the warts, or surgical excision, which involves cutting out the warts under local anesthetic. Laser treatment and electrocautery are also available methods for wart removal.
Understanding Genital Warts
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Not all HPV infections result in visible warts; many people carry the virus without developing symptoms. Even without visible warts, individuals can still transmit the virus to others.
The time between exposure to HPV and the appearance of warts can vary widely, from weeks to several months or even years. While HPV strains causing genital warts are generally low-risk and differ from high-risk strains linked to certain cancers, professional medical guidance is always advised for diagnosis and treatment.