Symptoms of HPV
So… What IS HPV?
The human papilloma virus, also known as HPV, is actually a broad family of DNA based viruses and STDs. As of the time of this writing, about one hundred and thirty different types of HPV have been identified.
With so many different types of HPV out there, there are also several different kinds of symptoms. Below, we’ll try to list some of the more common signs and symptoms of various types of HPV:
Warts
Depending on the type of infection, different types of warts may appear on various parts of the body. Here are some of the HPV symptoms for the more common forms of HPV in men and women.
Common warts
Common warts are caused by cutaneous HPV types, such as HPV-1 and HPV-2. These common skin warts generally appear on the hands and feet, though they also appear on the elbows and knees. These warts are easily identifiable, with a cauliflower like surface. Contrary to popular misconception, cutaneous HPV types rarely cause genital warts. Luckily, cutaneous HPV do not come with any risk of serious cancer development.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts are similar to common warts, caused by cutaneous HPV types 1, 2, 4, and 63. Plantar warts are generally uncomfortable, growing inward on the soles of the feet, and sometimes causing pain. These infections attack through direct contact with the skin, usually through tiny cuts or abrasions in the outermost layer of the skin.
Subungual and periungual warts
These nasty buggers will form under the fingernail (subungual) or on the cuticle (periungual), and, because of their location, can be more difficult to treat than warts on other areas of the hands or feet. These are a symptom of cutaneous HPV types such as types 1 and 2.
Flat warts
Flat warts are easily spotted by their reddish brown colour. These warts are usually slightly raised and flat surfaced, and usually cover an area of 2 to 5 mm. These warts usually appear on the hands or face. These are a symptom of cutaneous HPV types.
HPV Genital warts
Genital warts, or venereal warts, are highly contagious and caused by genital HPV strains 6, 11, 30, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52 and 54. Infection can be transmitted sexually through skin contact during any form of sex with an infected partner, especially a high risk HPV partner (sorry, but if you don’t know their entire sexual history, and the sexual histories of everyone in their sexual history, consider them high risk).
About nine in ten genital warts cases are caused by HPV types 6 and 11, though most people who acquire either strain may never develop warts or any other symptoms of HPV. Genital HPV strains 16 and 18 may also lead to cervical cancer. It’s important to spot signs of HPV, STD, and genital warts early, for obvious reasons.
So what do genital warts look like?
Well, to spot them at their earliest stage of developments, just inspect yourself now and then for any irregularities in the skin on and around your genitals. At first, it might not look like much more than a tiny bump, but left untreated, it can develop into larger, unsightly tumours.
Male genital warts can also develop into cancer, though, luckily, male hpv affecting the genitals does not tend to.
Trouble breathing
One of the most unpleasant forms of HPV is luckily quite rare. Respiratory papillomatosis is a condition wherein warts form on parts of the respiratory tract. In extremely rare cases this may require repetitive surgery and may hinder one’s breathing. This is a symptom of HPV types 6 and 11 and, again, is luckily quite rare.
Most people will develop some form of cutaneous HPV or common warts during childhood. HPV can linger in an environment for quite awhile, allowing a contaminated surface to transmit the virus quite easily. It’s a good idea to avoid contact with such surfaces as communal showers to reduce the risk of cutaneous HPV infection, and to treat common warts immediately upon sighting.
Common warts can be treated quite easily with over the counter medication, but if you see the slightest signs of genital warts, you should see a doctor immediately. Plantar warts may also be better treated with help from a medical professional. Left untreated, genital infections can become quite severe, and often lead to cancer.
Many forms of HPV may actually show no symptoms, and for women, it is absolutely vital to undergo a routine pap smear from time to time. It may be uncomfortable, but it may also be life saving.