Will genital warts go away on their own without treatment?
Disease description:
Recently, I have always felt intense itching and pain in the skin around the anal area. Many red small papules have also appeared locally, and there is a sensation of itching upon touch. After visiting the hospital, the doctor diagnosed it as warts, and it seems somewhat severe. I would like to ask, will this condition be life-threatening if left untreated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are infectious diseases caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This viral infection generally does not pose a direct threat to life nor cause death. Most warts will spontaneously regress over time, although in some cases they may persist or increase in number.
Warts themselves are not fatal, but if left untreated, they may grow larger, spread, or become uncomfortable, leading to increased psychological stress and a higher risk of transmission to others. Certain types of HPV infection are also associated with cervical cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer, especially among individuals with weakened immune systems. Therefore, although warts are not life-threatening if left untreated, timely medical intervention can effectively control the condition, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
