Human papillomavirus infection

Updated: 2024-01-05

Description

An infection caused by a virus that leads to the growth of warts and also may lead to cancer, depending on the strain.

Overview

Human papillomavirus, also called HPV, has more than 100 strains. Some strains spread through skin-to-skin contact and can cause warts. Other strains spread through sexual contact and can lead to cancer. A vaccine is available that helps protect against the strains of HPV most likely to cause genital warts or cancer.

Symptoms

HPV symptoms include warts that can appear in many places on the body.

Treatments

There is no cure for an infection caused by the virus. Warts on the skin may go away without treatment but could come back. Medicine to remove warts may be applied to the skin and used over time. Some procedures or surgery to remove warts might be suggested.