human papilloma virus

Definition

Or: HPV , a very common sexually transmitted virus and infection also known as: condyloma / condylomata acuminata / papovavirus warts / genital warts / venereal warts. There are about 70 different types of HPV: 20 of these cause warts in the genital area, the other types cause common warts on other parts of the body, especially on the hands and feet. HPV is spread to sexual partners by skin contact, or to infants during childbirth. SYMPTOMS: Some people never get warts, even though they carry the virus. The first signs may not appear until 1-9 months after exposure to the virus. Some warts are painless, others are itchy, some cannot be seen, others take the form of large pink, white, brown or gray warts that occur alone or in groups. TREATMENT: The warts can be removed but the virus will remain in the body. External warts are removed by a special medication (Podophyllin, Trichloracetic Acid (TCA), Condyline), by surgery or cryosurgery.