Genital warts are a common manifestation of the human papillomavirus (HPV), the most frequently transmitted viral infection worldwide. These growths result from the virus infecting skin cells, causing them to multiply rapidly and form visible lesions. HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately 90% of all genital wart cases, which are considered low-risk strains that rarely lead to cancer.
The Typical Appearance of Genital Warts
Genital warts are growths that develop on the external and internal surfaces of the anogenital region. These growths represent an overproduction of skin cells caused by the HPV infection, not a collection of inflammatory fluid. The color of typical warts usually ranges from a person’s natural skin tone to shades of pink, white, gray, or brown, depending on the age of the lesion.
The lesions are often soft and fleshy, appearing as solitary bumps or, more commonly, in clusters. When multiple warts grow close together, they can form a rough, irregular texture often compared to the look of a small cauliflower. Individual warts typically start as tiny bumps, which can be either flat and barely raised or distinctly dome-shaped. The surface may be smooth for flat warts or rough for larger, clustered lesions.
Addressing Pus and Secondary Infections
Genital warts do not inherently contain pus, as they are non-inflammatory growths caused by a viral infection of the skin cells. Pus is a thick, often yellowish-white or greenish fluid composed of dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria, indicating a localized bacterial infection. Therefore, observing pus emanating from a lesion that appears to be a wart suggests a secondary complication, rather than a primary symptom of the HPV infection.
A secondary bacterial infection can occur when the skin barrier of the wart is broken, allowing bacteria to enter the underlying tissue. This breach can happen due to friction from clothing, vigorous scratching, or irritation caused by sexual activity. When a wart becomes secondarily infected, it will likely show typical signs of inflammation, such as increased redness, tenderness, swelling, and the formation of pus. If a genital growth is draining thick, opaque fluid, medical attention is necessary to diagnose the bacterial infection and determine the appropriate treatment, which usually involves antibiotics.
Other Conditions That Cause Pus or Mimic Warts
If a person notices a pus-filled bump in the genital area, it may be a skin condition other than a genital wart, requiring a different treatment approach. Several common conditions in this sensitive region can produce pus or mimic the appearance of a wart. For instance, folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed or infected, often presenting as small, red, pus-filled bumps that resemble pimples.
A boil or abscess is another condition that develops when a hair follicle or an oil gland becomes deeply infected. These lesions are usually painful, swollen, and develop a white or yellow center of pus that may eventually rupture and drain. Certain other sexually transmitted infections can also cause pus or open sores; for example, chancroid is a bacterial infection that leads to painful, pus-filled open sores on the genitals. Because many genital skin conditions look similar but require specific diagnosis and treatment, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for any suspicious growth or discharge.