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Is it Possible to Have Genital Warts & Not Have HPV?

Many individuals believe that genital warts and human papillomavirus (HPV) are two distinct sexually transmitted diseases. Regardless of the type (hand warts, plantar warts, genital warts, etc.), warts are caused from the human papillomavirus.

  1. Features

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, "HPV infection is a condition contracted from one of a group of more than 100 reported human papillomaviruses (HPVs)." The different strains have a preference to the part of the body they invade.

    Treatments

    • HPV is not curable; however, treatment is available and differs according to the type of wart. Treatment for genital warts includes Aldara and Condylox, which are topically applied creams; trichloroacetic acid, which chemically burns off warts; cryotherapy, which freezes the warts; electrocautery, which burns the warts off; and surgical removal.

    Significance

    • All strains of HPV are contagious. Genital warts are contracted via genital contact. HPV can be contracted through a handshake if open sores are present. According to the Mayo Clinic, "About 20 million people in the United States have HPV infections that can cause genital warts and related lesions."

    Considerations

    • Common hand warts and plantar warts (foot) occur in children more than adults.

    History

    • Cervical cancer is caused by HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, "HPV can cause normal cells on infected skin to turn abnormal."

    Warning

    • HPV virus can be transmitted without physical signs being present.

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