Warts: Cutaneous and anogenital

Abstract

Cutaneous and anogenital warts are the clinical manifestations of an infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs). There are more than 120 different HPV types. They are both very common conditions, the former in young children and the latter mainly in young adults. Anogenital warts are considered as a sexually transmitted infection. Under certain circumstances, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can potentially lead to the development of premalignant and malignant lesions in men and women. Cervical carcinoma is considered the most important one. There is no etiological treatment for HPV infection. Local destruction of infected tissue, via several methods, is required in order to minimize transmission rates. Recurrences are common. Prophylactic vaccines against specific HPV types are licensed worldwide.