What Are the Symptoms of HPV Infection?
Jun 07, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Tansheng
Introduction
1. Skin warts: The most prominent symptom following HPV infection is the development of skin warts; common types include common warts and plantar warts. Common warts have a notably rough, hard surface.
2. Genital warts (condyloma acuminatum): These are primarily caused by HPV infection of mucosal surfaces and can affect both males and females. Most genital warts develop at sites where mucosa and skin intersect.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a spherical DNA virus belonging to the genus *Papillomavirus* within the family *Papovaviridae*. It causes proliferation of squamous epithelium in human skin and mucosal tissues. Clinically, HPV infections are categorized as either high-risk or low-risk types. High-risk HPV infections are typically asymptomatic, whereas low-risk HPV infections often present with clear clinical manifestations. So, what symptoms may occur following HPV infection? The following section addresses this question.
What Symptoms Can Occur Following HPV Infection?
1. Cutaneous Warts
The most common and noticeable symptom after HPV infection is the development of cutaneous warts—such as common warts and plantar warts. Common warts have a rough, hardened surface and usually match normal skin color, though they feature raised, protruding lesions. Initially, only a single wart may appear; however, as the condition progresses, the number of warts increases. Plantar warts initially manifest as keratinized, raised nodules that gradually enlarge over time. Their surfaces appear grayish-brown or gray-yellow and are typically round in shape, often accompanied by significant tenderness upon pressure.
2. Genital Warts (Condyloma Acuminatum)
Genital warts result primarily from HPV infection of mucosal surfaces and can affect both males and females. Most genital warts develop at the junction of mucosa and skin. For many women, untreated genital warts may progress to cervical cancer and cause cervical dysplasia. During sexual intercourse, irregular vaginal bleeding may occur; additionally, patients may experience urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria. Therefore, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are strongly recommended.
Additional Information: What Causes HPV Infection?
1. Close Contact
Research indicates that factors such as number of sexual partners, frequency of sexual intercourse, and having a partner with anogenital warts are strongly associated with HPV infection. Sexual contact with individuals carrying HPV or suffering from genital warts poses high transmission risk: friction during intercourse may abrade warts on the genitals, allowing viral particles from the lesion interior to enter the partner’s body, thereby causing HPV infection.
2. Maternal Transmission
If an HPV-infected woman becomes pregnant without prior treatment, uterine contractions during labor may expose the fetus to maternal HPV as it passes through the birth canal—increasing the newborn’s risk of developing HPV-related conditions such as genital warts. Moreover, sharing personal items—including toilets, undergarments, underwear, and bath towels—with an HPV-infected individual may also lead to transmission.
The above outlines the common symptoms associated with HPV infection. We hope this information proves helpful.
