Is This Wart or Something Else? Skin Growths - Dermatology

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Could you please check if this is a wart (cauliflower)?


I have a history of genital warts for several years, but it has never been severe.
In the first few years, I only had small, raised white spots that were somewhat rough in texture.
Whenever I noticed these rough, raised white spots, I would immediately freeze them.
Over the years, I have repeatedly frozen them, and about a month and a half after freezing, they always reappear.
The difference now is that the initially rough white spots have changed to smooth little spots, but they still reappear after about a month and a half.
Could you please help me determine if this is still genital warts? Besides genital warts, what other conditions could cause the repeated growth of small spots?

Nìmíng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/03/27

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology


Medical regulations state that "a physician must personally examine a patient before providing treatment or prescribing medication," and therefore, online diagnosis is not permissible.
If you are experiencing significant distress, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

Reply Date: 2018/03/27

More Info


Based on your description and the history of your skin condition, it sounds like you may be dealing with a recurrent issue related to warts, specifically genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The fact that you have a history of "菜花" (which translates to "cauliflower" and is a common term used to describe the appearance of genital warts) suggests that this could indeed be the case.
Warts are benign growths on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body, but when they occur in the genital area, they are often referred to as genital warts. They can vary in appearance, from small, rough bumps to smooth, flat lesions. The smooth, small bumps you are describing could very well be warts, especially since they have a tendency to recur after treatment, such as cryotherapy (freezing).

The recurrence of these growths after treatment is a common challenge with warts. HPV can remain dormant in the skin, and while treatments like cryotherapy can effectively remove visible warts, they do not eliminate the virus from your system. This means that new warts can develop over time, especially if your immune system is compromised or if you are exposed to the virus again.

In addition to warts, there are other skin conditions that can cause similar growths, such as:
1. Seborrheic Keratosis: These are non-cancerous growths that can appear as rough, scaly patches on the skin. They are usually brown or black and can vary in size.

2. Skin Tags: These are small, benign growths that can appear on various parts of the body. They are usually flesh-colored and can be smooth or slightly rough.

3. Molluscum Contagiosum: This is a viral infection that results in small, firm, raised lesions on the skin. They are usually painless and can resolve on their own but may take time.

4. Actinic Keratosis: These are rough, scaly patches that can develop on sun-exposed skin and may be precursors to skin cancer.

Given your history and the description of your skin growths, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and may recommend a biopsy if there is any uncertainty about the nature of the growths. They can also discuss treatment options with you, which may include cryotherapy, topical treatments, or other methods depending on the diagnosis.

In the meantime, it is essential to maintain good skin care practices. Avoid picking at or irritating the growths, as this can lead to further irritation or potential infection. Keeping the area clean and dry can also help manage any discomfort.

Lastly, if you have not already done so, consider discussing HPV vaccination with your healthcare provider. The vaccine can help protect against certain strains of HPV that cause genital warts and other related conditions.

In summary, while your symptoms suggest that you may be dealing with recurrent warts, it is essential to seek professional medical advice for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

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