HPV Symptoms

Daily Health Solutions, Women's Health
on February 13, 2012

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that causes warts. There are hundreds of types of the HPV virus, each affecting different areas of the body. Everyone is exposed to a variety of viruses throughout everyday life, but the immune system usually can fight an infection off. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people have been exposed to HPV and have no symptoms but can pass the infection to others. Most people have been exposed to HPV in their lifetime. If you or someone you know is concerned about HPV, you should be aware of the HPV symptoms.

Typical HPV symptoms. If your body’s immune system cannot stave off the HPV virus, you might notice warts developing. These warts will vary in appearance depending upon the type of HPV virus and particular part of the body that is affected, states the Mayo Clinic.

Common warts. These type of warts look like a rough, raised bump. These typically occur on hands and fingers. The warts may have an effect on appearance. These warts can also be painful, sore and prone to injury. In some cases, common warts can actually bleed if injured.

Flat warts. Warts that look slightly raised, but flat topped in appearance, are aptly named, flat warts. These warts may be somewhat darker than usual skin tone in the area. Flat warts are much more common in young people, from childhood to young adulthood. Flat warts are usually located on the face, neck, knees, elbows and hands.

Plantar warts. Plantar warts are grainy, hard bumps that appear on the heel or ball of the foot. Due to the pressure of standing and walking, these warts can be uncomfortable or even painful.

Genital warts. Genital warts look like little, grainy bumps; flat lesions; stem-like protrusions or little cauliflower-shaped bumps. Women generally notice these warts in the vulva area, anus, in the vagina or on the cervix. These are usually painless warts but can cause more emotional distress than the other areas of the body that HPV manifests.