Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a large group of viruses that cause genital warts, browning of the skin, and growths that can appear on several parts of the body. There are more than a hundred types of HPV with mild to severe symptoms. Some HPV types cause small warts on the fingers or feet, other types cause more severe conditions such as cervical cancer. HPV is very common in the population. Approximately 80 percent of sexually active people will contract HPV in their lifetime.
Skin Warts
Skin warts are common in HPV symptoms. They can appear on any area of the body, but they are most common on the face, hands and scalp. They are most common in areas where there has already been damage from skin injuries.
Flat and Plantar Warts
These warts are different from common skin warts in their appearance and location on the body. Flat warts are normally brown, and they commonly itch. They grow in many areas of the body including face, chest and hands. Plantar warts are similar to flat warts except they grow primarily on the soles of the feet.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are the most common symptom of HPV that is spread from sexual contact with an infected individual. Symptoms can appear within weeks from infection or after several months. They are normally pink, raised or flat clusters of bumps in the genital area. Genital warts can take three paths of progression. They may worsen and grow in number, remain unchanged, or they can completely clear up after a period of time.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is caused by HPV, and it does not have any symptoms until more advanced stages of the disease. HPV infects the tissue of the cervix, causing damage to the cells. Although HPV invades the cervical tissue, for some people the infection goes away with time. For some, the virus remains and causes cancer years after infection. HPV infection can be detected in women through yearly Pap smear checkups.
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