Back To Search Results

Genital Warts

Editor: Sandeep Kumar Updated: 5/30/2023 3:57:39 PM

Introduction

Genital warts (condyloma acuminatum) are the clinical manifestations of a sexually transmitted infection caused by some types of human papillomavirus (HPV).[1]

Warts are a recognized symptom of genital HPV infections. About 90% of those exposed who contract HPV will not develop genital warts. Only about 10% who are infected will transmit the virus. HPV types 6 and 11 cause genital warts. There are over 100 different known types of HPV viruses. HPV is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual, usually during sex. While some types of HPV cause cervical and anal cancer, these are not the same viral types that cause genital warts. It is possible to be infected with different types of HPV at the same time.[1]

Etiology

Register For Free And Read The Full Article
Get the answers you need instantly with the StatPearls Clinical Decision Support tool. StatPearls spent the last decade developing the largest and most updated Point-of Care resource ever developed. Earn CME/CE by searching and reading articles.
  • Dropdown arrow Search engine and full access to all medical articles
  • Dropdown arrow 10 free questions in your specialty
  • Dropdown arrow Free CME/CE Activities
  • Dropdown arrow Free daily question in your email
  • Dropdown arrow Save favorite articles to your dashboard
  • Dropdown arrow Emails offering discounts

Learn more about a Subscription to StatPearls Point-of-Care

Etiology

HPV is transmitted primarily through penetrative sex. While HPV also can be transmitted via non-penetrative sexual activity, it is less common.[1][2]

  • There is conflicting evidence about the effect of condoms on prevention.
  • About 30% of genital warts will disappear within four months of their initial appearance.
  • Most genital warts will recur within three months of completion of initial therapy, even if therapy was followed correctly. 
  • Recurrence rates depend on the patient's general health and immune status, previous HPV vaccinations, specific HPV strain, number of inoculations (sexual frequency with an infected partner), use of condoms, and the viral load.
  • Smoking increases the risk of getting genital warts.
  • Approximately three out of four unaffected partners of patients with warts develop them within eight months of contact.
  • Although 90% of HPV infections are cleared within two years of infection, it is possible for a latency period to occur, with the first occurrence or a recurrence happening months or even years later.
  • Latent HPV is transmissible, and if an individual has unprotected sex with an infected partner, there is a 70% chance they will become infected.
  • In individuals with a prior HPV infection, the appearance of new warts may be either from a new exposure or a recurrence.
  • Anal or genital warts may be transmitted during birth and may be an indicator of sexual abuse.
  • Genital warts may sometimes result from autoinoculation by warts elsewhere on the body, such as from the hands.

Epidemiology

Genital HPV infections have an estimated prevalence of 10% to 20%, with clinical manifestations in 1%. The incidence of HPV infection has been increasing. About 80% of those infected are between the ages of 17 and 33 years, with the peak age group being 20 to 24.  It has been estimated that 2.9% of the US male population will have genital HPV DNA. 

Although treatments can remove warts, they do not remove HPV. Warts may sometimes spontaneously regress. Traditional theories postulate that the virus remains in the body for a lifetime. However, it is now believed that the virus may be either cleared or suppressed to levels below what polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can measure.

HPV infection appears to be the cause of most cases of anal cancer (about 90%) and virtually all cases of cervical cancer in women, with HPV type 16 accounting for about 50% of these.  (Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.) Some vulvar cancers have been linked to HPV infections (29% to 43%), while vaginal cancer is associated with HPV infections about 70% of the time (HPV Types 16 and 18).[3]

In men, Bowen disease of the penis and about 35% to 40% of all penile cancers are associated with HPV infections.[4]

Risk factors for HPV persistence include age, smoking, immunosuppression, and simultaneous infection with multiple HPV types.[5]

HPV Vaccinations

An HPV vaccination is available. 

For previously unvaccinated adults, the CDC suggests vaccinations for those 27 to 45 years of age. 

For adolescents, the CDC suggests the vaccine be given at ages 11 or 12 years, but may be started as early as 9. 

Histopathology

Genital warts are typically diagnosed visually, with confirmatory biopsy generally unnecessary. These exophytic lesions form due to enlargement of the dermal papillae and are lined by hyperplastic squamous epithelium that shows koilocytes, which are squamous epithelial cells characterized by an acentric, hyperchromatic nucleus displaced by a large perinuclear vacuole.[6]

History and Physical

Genital warts may occur separately or in clusters. They may be found in the anal or genital area, including the penile shaft, scrotum, vagina, or labia majora. They can also be found on internal surfaces of the vagina and the anus. They can be small (5 mm or less in diameter) or spread into large masses in the genital or anal area. Their color is variable but tends to be skin-colored or darker, and they may occasionally bleed spontaneously.

Sometimes warts may cause itching, redness, or discomfort. An outbreak of genital warts may also cause psychological distress. In most cases, the only identifiable symptoms of an HPV infection are warts.

Evaluation

The diagnosis of genital warts is usually made visually, although a biopsy may be necessary for confirmation. Small warts may sometimes be confused with molluscum contagiosum. Genital warts typically rise above the skin surface, have parakeratosis, and demonstrate nuclear changes typical of HPV infections (nuclear enlargement with perinuclear clearing). Because genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types, DNA tests should not be used for diagnosis or in low-risk HPV infections.

Some practitioners use an acetic acid solution to help identify small warts and affected skin areas, but this practice is controversial.  

A biopsy is recommended if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis or if the patient is immunocompromised. Pigmented and ulcerated lesions should also be considered for biopsy.

Cystoscopy should be considered in patients where the glans is involved, the patient has lower urinary tract symptoms, or there are significant urethral symptoms. In patients who have no symptoms, some experts have suggested waiting until any glans lesions have healed to avoid possible transfer of the HPV virus into the urethra.[7][8]

Treatment / Management

There is no cure for HPV. Removing visible warts does not necessarily reduce the transmission of the underlying HPV infection.[9][10][11] About 80% of individuals with HPV will clear the infection spontaneously within 18 to 24 months.(B3)

Treatment varies depending on the number, size, and location of warts. Treatment can cause permanent depigmentation, itching, pain, and scarring.

Urethral meatus warts are best treated with surgery to minimize long-term complications.

The American Urological Association does not recommend treating sub-clinical (invisible) lesions.

Treatments are either ablative (vaporization, resection, coagulation, or excision) or involve the use of topical agents. Physically ablative treatments are more effective at wart removal; but in many cases, topical agents are preferred by patients as initial therapy, especially for smaller lesions.

Topical Agents

Topical agents may be very effective, are self-applied by patients, and are less traumatic than surgical intervention. However, patient compliance is spotty and recurrences are common.

Podophyllotoxin solution 0.15% to 0.5% in a gel or cream can be applied to the affected area and is not washed off. Podofilox (an anti-mitotic drug) appears to be safer than podophyllin.[12] It works by binding microtubular subunits.[13] The gel form is easier for patients to apply than the liquid with equal efficacy.[14] The recommended application schedule (apply BID for three days followed by four days off, then repeat) can be confusing for some patients. Side effects include localized burning, itching, pain, and inflammation. Should not be used in pregnancy. The original precursor topical therapy, podophyllin, is no longer recommended by the CDC due to its high level of mutagens.[15](A1)

Imiquimod is a topical immune response cream applied to the affected area but may cause fungal infections and flu-like symptoms. Imiquimod is an immune enhancer and increases cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interferon alfa). This causes an enhanced cytotoxic immune reaction based on T cell-mediated response factors.[13] Wart recurrence rates are better than podophyllin-based therapies and it tends to cause non-scarring healing.[16] The recommended application schedule for imiquimod 5% cream is three times per week.[17] Usage of imiquimod 3.75% cream has been recommended as being equally effective while minimizing local side effects such as pain, burning, inflammation, itching, and erythema.[18][19][20] Usage may also be limited by cost as the medication is relatively expensive if not covered by insurance.(A1)

Sinecatechins are an ointment of catechins extracted from green tea that appear to have a higher wart clearance rate than podophyllotoxin and imiquimod while causing less local irritation, but clearance takes longer than with imiquimod. The overall wart clearance rate is reported as high as 57.2%.[21] (A1)

Sinecatechins are available as a 15% ointment. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but they have immuno-stimulatory, anti-proliferative and anti-tumor properties and appear to work by reducing HPV gene products E6 and E7.[22] Side effects include local redness, inflammation, and pain.

Isotretinoin is a medication typically used for acne. It acts to reduce sebum, shrink sebaceous glands, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, and has anti-bacterial benefits. Isotretinoin has also shown significant efficacy when used as an adjunct to standard treatment of genital warts in immunocompromised patients, where the condyloma are extensive or if the lesions have proven resistant to initial therapy.[23][24][25][26] The dosage is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day.  Topical therapy is continued during treatment. There are many potential side effects to isotretinoin therapy so it must be used cautiously. In particular, it can cause very severe birth defects and so should absolutely not be used in pregnancy. For women of childbearing age, this means two pregnancy tests initially and monthly while on medication. They must also use two separate forms of birth control. Side effects include dry skin, chapped lips, frequent nosebleeds, dry eyes, dry mouth, and severe sun sensitivity while on the medication.  There may also be night blindness, hair thinning, muscle aches, arthralgias, rashes, stomach problems, and higher cholesterol levels. Liver damage, urethritis, and hydrocephalus have been reported but are quite rare.[27] Side effects are typically dose-dependent. There are a few reported cases of severe depression and suicide associated with the use of isotretinoin as well as possibly exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. For these reasons, isotretinoin is only dosed in 30-day intervals and it should be used cautiously.[23](A1)

Trichloroacetic acid is not as effective as cryosurgery and should be avoided on the vagina, cervix, or urinary meatus.[6] It tends to have a high recurrence rate and should be applied only by a healthcare provider due to potential injury to surrounding tissues.[28](A1)

Skin erosion and pain are most commonly reported with imiquimod and sinecatechins.

Physical (Surgical) Removal or Destruction

Direct surgical excision or physically destructive therapies are considered more effective on keratinized warts, especially if they are larger in size.[6]

Simple surgical excision under local anesthesia is simple and direct but will leave a scar and requires a small surgical procedure.[9](B3)

Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery ablation is inexpensive, considered safe for use during pregnancy, and does not usually cause much scarring but requires cryosurgical equipment and training. It may require anesthesia due to pain and multiple treatments are often necessary. 

Electrocauterization is considered effective but causes scarring and requires some level of anesthesia.[6]

Laser vaporization has minimal bleeding but may be somewhat less effective than other ablative techniques. It is typically used for extensive areas of genital wart involvement, is relatively expensive, and may cause a plume of virus-containing smoke.[29][30]

Surgical removal under general anesthesia may be necessary for more extensive lesions, intra-anal warts, or in children. 

Photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizing agent (such as aminolevulinic acid) has demonstrated efficacy in eliminating external warts. The aminolevulinic acid is applied topically or directly intralesionally. The photosensitizing agent is absorbed quickly into the most rapidly growing cells. Light exposure activates the aminolevulinic acid releasing free oxygen singlet radicals resulting in the destruction of the wart by direct oxidative injury.[31][32][33][34] This technique is currently considered off-label.(A1)

Discontinued

  • 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 5% cream is no longer considered acceptable due to side effects.
  • Interferon intralesional injections initially showed moderate efficacy with a complete response rate of 36% - 63% as monotherapy, but it has largely been supplanted by other treatments. Might still be considered for intractable cases as an adjunctive therapy.[18] 
  • Podophyllin, podofilox, and especially isotretinoin should be avoided during pregnancy.

Differential Diagnosis

  • Condyloma lata or secondary syphilis
  • Familial benign pemphigus
  • Herpes simplex infection
  • Benign nevi
  • Vulvar neurofibromatosis

Prognosis

A large number of cases of genital warts fail to respond to treatment and often recur, especially with repeated infections from sexual contact or the long-incubation period of HPV. Verifying patient compliance with therapy, changing the therapeutic agent, and adding isotretinoin can help. Morbidity associated with the disease is due to pruritus, bleeding, and the psychosocial burden of genital lesions, while mortality is due to its malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. 

Immunocompromised patients are likely to have more resistant lesions than the general population with more frequent recurrences. They are also more likely for their lesions to develop a malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma.[35][36] In general, immunocompromised patients generally benefit from a combination of therapies, early addition of isotretinoin, a longer duration of treatment, and earlier implementation of surgery.[37]

Complications

Local complications with disfigurement are the most common complications of this disease. With untreated and advanced-stage disease, there is a risk of malignant transformation, which is the most feared complication. The current standard of care emphasizes treatment and primary prevention strategies, including vaccination, to prevent this devastating outcome. 

Deterrence and Patient Education

Gardasil is a vaccine used to protect against human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Types 16 and 18 cause an estimated 70% of cervical cancers, and 6 and 11 cause an estimated 90% of genital warts. The vaccine prevents the disease but is not therapeutic. The vaccine must be given before exposure to the virus type to be effective. The vaccine was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 for use in children as early as nine years of age, primarily for its prophylactic activity against cervical cancer. Gardasil 9 was FDA approved in 2014 to protect against the four HPV strains covered by the first generation of Gardasil as well as five other HPV strains responsible for 20% of cervical cancers (HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, HPV-52, and HPV-58).[38]

Vaccines are preventative and should not be considered therapeutic. Quadrivalent or 9-valent vaccines are recommended and generally preferred over bivalent vaccines.

According to the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), routine HPV vaccination is recommended for women 9 to 26 years of age, but it has shown high efficacy up to age 45. The CDC advises that unvaccinated adults above 26 years to age 45 may be given the vaccine after discussion with their provider. 

The ACIP recommends routine male HPV quadrivalent vaccinations at age 11-12.  If not previously given or incomplete (the vaccines are a three-dose series), the vaccine should be given up to age 21.  From ages 22 to 26, the vaccine is considered optional.  In other words, the optimal age for male HPV vaccination is 11 to 12 years, but it may be given up to age 45 years. 

It remains to be seen if the more extensive use of vaccines can reduce the prevalence and penetration of HPV exposure, infections, and complications.

Pearls and Other Issues

Experimentally, a nitric acid/zinc complex solution for topical application has been successfully used on difficult to treat warts. The solution includes dilute nitric acid, zinc, copper, and organic acids. The application of this solution causes destruction and desiccation of the wart through a combination of denaturation and active protein coagulation actions. So far, it appears to be well tolerated and effective.[39][40]

The use of antivirals such as topical cidofovir also appears promising, but more study is needed before it can be safely utilized clinically.[41][42][43][44]

Curcumin, a derivative of turmeric, has shown efficacy against genital warts anecdotally, but more study is needed to determine its true safety and effectiveness.[45]

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Genital warts are very common in clinical practice. Because of the risk of cancer, there is now a vaccine available to prevent these warts. Healthcare workers, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and primary care physicians, need to work in an interprofessional effort to educate patients about the importance of the HPV vaccine as it can prevent a variety of genital cancers. The ACIP recommends routine male HPV quadrivalent vaccinations at age 11-12.  If not previously given or incomplete (the vaccines are a three-dose series), the vaccine should be given up to age 21. From ages 22 to 26, the vaccine is considered optional. In other words, the optimal age for male HPV vaccination is 11 to 12 years, but it may be given up to age 26 years.

Media


(Click Image to Enlarge)
<p>Genital Warts, Female</p>

Genital Warts, Female


DermNet New Zealand


(Click Image to Enlarge)
<p>Genital Warts, Male</p>

Genital Warts, Male


DermNet New Zealand

References


[1]

Sendagorta-Cudós E,Burgos-Cibrián J,Rodríguez-Iglesias M, Genital infections due to the human papillomavirus. Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.). 2019 May     [PubMed PMID: 30853139]


[2]

Ozaydin-Yavuz G,Bilgili SG,Guducuoglu H,Yavuz IH,Elibuyuk-Aksac S,Karadag AS, Determinants of high-risk human papillomavirus infection in anogenital warts. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. 2019 Feb     [PubMed PMID: 30858783]


[3]

Lisboa C,Santo I,Azevedo J,Azevedo L,Pista A,Dias C,Cunha MJ, High Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus on Anal and Oral Samples from Men and Women with External Anogenital Warts: The HERCOLES Study. Acta dermato-venereologica. 2019 May 1     [PubMed PMID: 30723872]


[4]

Stratton KL,Culkin DJ, A Contemporary Review of HPV and Penile Cancer. Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.). 2016 Mar     [PubMed PMID: 26984219]


[5]

Sichero L,Giuliano AR,Villa LL, Human Papillomavirus and Genital Disease in Men: What We Have Learned from the HIM Study. Acta cytologica. 2019     [PubMed PMID: 30799416]


[6]

Leung AK,Barankin B,Leong KF,Hon KL, Penile warts: an update on their evaluation and management. Drugs in context. 2018     [PubMed PMID: 30622585]


[7]

Zayko MO,Velilla RE,Shurbaji MS, Condyloma Acuminata Presenting as Isolated Papillary Lesions in the Prostatic Urethra. The American journal of case reports. 2018 Dec 22     [PubMed PMID: 30578409]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[8]

Iskander M,Patrick N,Mistry R, Intra urethral human papillomavirus related warts following urinary tract instrumentation. Urology journal. 2014 May 6     [PubMed PMID: 24807766]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[9]

Beutner KR,Reitano MV,Richwald GA,Wiley DJ, External genital warts: report of the American Medical Association Consensus Conference. AMA Expert Panel on External Genital Warts. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 1998 Oct;     [PubMed PMID: 9798036]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[10]

Wiley DJ,Douglas J,Beutner K,Cox T,Fife K,Moscicki AB,Fukumoto L, External genital warts: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2002 Oct 15;     [PubMed PMID: 12353208]


[11]

Workowski KA,Bolan GA,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention., Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports. 2015 Jun 5;     [PubMed PMID: 26042815]


[12]

Murray ML,Meadows J,Doré CJ,Copas AJ,Haddow LJ,Lacey C,Jit M,Soldan K,Bennett K,Tetlow M,Nathan M,Gilson R, Human papillomavirus infection: protocol for a randomised controlled trial of imiquimod cream (5%) versus podophyllotoxin cream (0.15%), in combination with quadrivalent human papillomavirus or control vaccination in the treatment and prevention of recurrence of anogenital warts (HIPvac trial). BMC medical research methodology. 2018 Nov 6     [PubMed PMID: 30400777]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[13]

Brown TJ,Yen-Moore A,Tyring SK, An overview of sexually transmitted diseases. Part II. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1999 Nov;     [PubMed PMID: 10534627]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[14]

Tyring S,Edwards L,Cherry LK,Ramsdell WM,Kotner S,Greenberg MD,Vance JC,Barnum G,Dromgoole SH,Killey FP,Toter T, Safety and efficacy of 0.5% podofilox gel in the treatment of anogenital warts. Archives of dermatology. 1998 Jan;     [PubMed PMID: 9449907]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[15]

Petersen CS,Weismann K, Quercetin and kaempherol: an argument against the use of podophyllin? Genitourinary medicine. 1995 Apr;     [PubMed PMID: 7744421]


[16]

Severson J,Evans TY,Lee P,Chan T,Arany I,Tyring SK, Human papillomavirus infections: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapy. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery. 2001 Jan-Feb;     [PubMed PMID: 11281434]


[17]

Gotovtseva EP,Kapadia AS,Smolensky MH,Lairson DR, Optimal frequency of imiquimod (aldara) 5% cream for the treatment of external genital warts in immunocompetent adults: a meta-analysis. Sexually transmitted diseases. 2008 Apr;     [PubMed PMID: 18360317]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[18]

Czelusta AJ,Evans T,Arany I,Tyring SK, A guide to immunotherapy of genital warts: focus on interferon and imiquimod. BioDrugs : clinical immunotherapeutics, biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy. 1999 May;     [PubMed PMID: 18031142]


[19]

Berman B,Wolf J, The role of imiquimod 3.75% cream in the treatment of external genital warts. Skin therapy letter. 2012 Apr;     [PubMed PMID: 22491804]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[20]

Rosen T,Nelson A,Ault K, Imiquimod cream 2.5% and 3.75% applied once daily to treat external genital warts in men. Cutis. 2015 Oct;     [PubMed PMID: 26682290]


[21]

Tatti S,Swinehart JM,Thielert C,Tawfik H,Mescheder A,Beutner KR, Sinecatechins, a defined green tea extract, in the treatment of external anogenital warts: a randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics and gynecology. 2008 Jun;     [PubMed PMID: 18515521]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[22]

Schöfer H,Tatti S,Lynde CW,Skerlev M,Hercogová J,Rotaru M,Ballesteros J,Calzavara-Pinton P, Sinecatechins and imiquimod as proactive sequential therapy of external genital and perianal warts in adults. International journal of STD & AIDS. 2017 Dec     [PubMed PMID: 28566057]


[23]

Jha AK,Sonthalia S,Ganguly S, Oral isotretinoin as an adjunctive treatment for recurrent genital warts. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2018 Feb     [PubMed PMID: 29332721]


[24]

Nickle SB,Peterson N,Peterson M, Updated Physician's Guide to the Off-label Uses of Oral Isotretinoin. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2014 Apr     [PubMed PMID: 24765227]


[25]

Yew YW,Pan JY, Complete remission of recalcitrant genital warts with a combination approach of surgical debulking and oral isotretinoin in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Dermatologic therapy. 2014 Mar-Apr     [PubMed PMID: 24703263]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[26]

Oren-Shabtai M,Snast I,Lapidoth M,Sherman S,Noyman Y,Mimouni D,Hodak E,Levi A, Topical and Systemic Retinoids for the Treatment of Genital Warts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;     [PubMed PMID: 33279886]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[27]

Paredes-Bhushan V,Rezaee ME,Chavez DR, Isotretinoin induced urethritis: A case report     [PubMed PMID: 31908966]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[28]

Godley MJ,Bradbeer CS,Gellan M,Thin RN, Cryotherapy compared with trichloroacetic acid in treating genital warts. Genitourinary medicine. 1987 Dec;     [PubMed PMID: 3323028]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[29]

Fichman Y,Levi A,Hodak E,Halachmi S,Mazor S,Wolf D,Caplan O,Lapidoth M, Efficacy of pulsed dye laser treatment for common warts is not influenced by the causative HPV type: a prospective study. Lasers in medical science. 2018 May     [PubMed PMID: 29218494]


[30]

Iranmanesh B,Khalili M,Zartab H,Amiri R,Aflatoonian M, Laser therapy in cutaneous and genital warts: A review article. Dermatologic therapy. 2021 Jan;     [PubMed PMID: 33314577]


[31]

Xie F,Yu HS,Wang R,Wang D,Li YM,Wen HY,Du JB,Ba W,Meng XF,Yang J,Lin BW,Li HJ,Li CX,Zhang LG,Fang XD,Zhao H, Photodynamic Therapy for Genital Warts Causes Activation of Local Immunity. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery. 2019 Jul/Aug;     [PubMed PMID: 31010295]


[32]

Tu P,Zhang H,Zheng H,Gu H,Xu J,Tao J,Wang H,Zhu X,Wang X, 5-Aminolevulinic photodynamic therapy versus carbon dioxide laser therapy for small genital warts: A multicenter, randomized, open-label trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2021 Mar;     [PubMed PMID: 31374308]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[33]

Kechichian E,Helou E,Sarkis J,Hayek C,Labaki C,Nemr E,Tomb R, The place of 5-aminolaevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy in the treatment landscape of urethral warts: A systematic review. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy. 2021 Mar;     [PubMed PMID: 33529745]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[34]

Zhang H,Shi L,Zhang Y,Wang P,Zhang G,Cao Y,Zhou Z,Wang X, Modified photodynamic therapy to minimize pain in the treatment of condylomata acuminata: A prospective, randomized, self-controlled study. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy. 2020 Dec;     [PubMed PMID: 32634656]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[35]

Czelusta A,Yen-Moore A,Van der Straten M,Carrasco D,Tyring SK, An overview of sexually transmitted diseases. Part III. Sexually transmitted diseases in HIV-infected patients. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2000 Sep     [PubMed PMID: 10954653]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[36]

Nebesio CL,Mirowski GW,Chuang TY, Human papillomavirus: clinical significance and malignant potential. International journal of dermatology. 2001 Jun     [PubMed PMID: 11589741]


[37]

Orlando G,Fasolo MM,Beretta R,Merli S,Cargnel A, Combined surgery and cidofovir is an effective treatment for genital warts in HIV-infected patients. AIDS (London, England). 2002 Feb 15     [PubMed PMID: 11834957]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[38]

Kaliterna V,Barisic Z, Genital human papillomavirus infections. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition). 2018 Mar 1     [PubMed PMID: 29293452]


[39]

Cusini M,Micali G,Lacarrubba F,Puviani M,Barcella A,Milani M, Efficacy and tolerability of nitric-zinc complex in the treatment of external genital warts and     [PubMed PMID: 26513041]


[40]

Pontini P,Mastorino L,Gaspari V,Granger C,Ramoni S,Delmonte S,Evangelista V,Cusini M, A Multicentre, Randomised Clinical Trial to Compare a Topical Nitrizinc{sup}®{/sup} Complex Solution Versus Cryotherapy for the Treatment of Anogenital Warts. Dermatology and therapy. 2020 Oct;     [PubMed PMID: 32734366]

Level 1 (high-level) evidence

[41]

Muffarrej D,Khattab E,Najjar R, Successful treatment of genital warts with cidofovir cream in a pediatric patient with Fanconi anemia. Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners. 2020 Jul     [PubMed PMID: 31718429]


[42]

Hengge UR,Tietze G, Successful treatment of recalcitrant condyloma with topical cidofovir. Sexually transmitted infections. 2000 Apr     [PubMed PMID: 10858720]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[43]

Schürmann D,Bergmann F,Temmesfeld-Wollbrück B,Grobusch MP,Suttorp N, Topical cidofovir is effective in treating extensive penile condylomata acuminata. AIDS (London, England). 2000 May 26     [PubMed PMID: 10853999]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence

[44]

Blaizot R,Dutkiewicz AS,Guillet S,Pham-Ledard A,Beylot-Barry M, Intravenous cidofovir for diffuse genital warts in the setting of multifactorial immunosuppression. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV. 2017 Mar;     [PubMed PMID: 27527116]


[45]

Psomiadou V,Iavazzo C,Douligeris A,Fotiou A,Prodromidou A,Blontzos N,Karavioti E,Vorgias G, An Alternative Treatment for Vaginal Cuff Wart: a Case Report. Acta medica (Hradec Kralove). 2020;     [PubMed PMID: 32422116]

Level 3 (low-level) evidence