jUst wanted to know the symptoms of it.

It depends on what strain you have. most of them show no symptoms and go away by themselves–some people never even know they had it. If you do show symptoms, it would be in the form of genital warts.

There are usually NO symptoms at all except for a abnormal pap smear. i have hpv. and have NO symptoms once so ever never had a wart or anything. my doc said most women who have multipul partners at a young age end up with hpv. but to be honest its really nothing to worry about. it is very common. hope this helps

Many different strains of HPV. some can cause cervical cancer, others genital warts. the only way to detect the cervical cancer ones is through PAP smears. then they will do other procedures until your PAP returns to normal. Warts can be treated by a dermatologist, but may return. Males can get warts but the other strains of HPV do not affect them. They are just carriers, they just pass it on. most people have had one strain at some point if they are sexually active. there is a vaccine out now for girls 26 and under. Protects against 2 cervical cancer strains that cause 70% of the cancers, and 2 wart strains that cause 90% of the warts. Condoms are not very effective, and can be transmitted through vag, anal, and oral sex. If you have sex with someone who is carrying it, the chance you will get it is about 100%. Basically, if you have sex with a couple people, you have it/had it at some point.

Human Papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, is a viral infection spread through skin to skin sexual contact. HPV is a group of over 100 different viruses, with at least 30 strains known to cause different types of cancer. there is currently no cure for HPV.

Certain types of HPV cause genital warts and other lesions, but the virus usually causes no symptoms. most people with a genital HPV infection do not know they are infected. That is why regular exams and Pap smears are so important.

Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus) – Topic Overview

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are skin growths in the groin, genital, or anal areas. They are considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because they are caused by a virus that can be spread by sexual contact.

Genital warts occur in women, men, and children.

In women, the virus that causes genital warts (human papillomavirus, or HPV) can infect the cervix, vagina, vulva, urethra, and the groin or anal areas. HPV can cause abnormal changes in cells of the cervix. Women who are infected with certain types of HPV are more likely than other women to have an abnormal Pap test. the types of HPV that cause visible warts usually are not the same types that cause abnormal cervical cell changes.
In men, HPV can infect the penis, scrotum, urethra, groin, or anal area.
In children, HPV can infect the genital area. a child can get genital warts in several ways. Any child with genital warts needs to be evaluated by a health professional to determine the cause and to assess for possible sexual abuse.
HPV infection can cause cell changes that increase the risk of anal or rectal cancer.

What causes genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). of the many types of HPV, types 6 and 11 produce visible genital warts. usually, they eventually disappear without treatment. Other HPV types, such as 16 and 18, usually do not produce visible genital warts. However, they are associated with precancerous and cancerous changes to the cervix.

Risk factors for genital warts include:

Having unprotected sexual or genital contact (not using condoms).
Having multiple sex partners or a high-risk partner(s) who has had multiple sex partners or HPV-infected sex partners.
Starting sexual activity before age 18.
Having an impaired immune system.

What are the symptoms?

Infection with HPV usually does not cause symptoms. most HPV infections are latent, meaning the virus is present but is not multiplying or producing any signs of infection. Visible genital warts appear only during active infection. (However, you may spread the virus even if you do not have warts.) Warts may look like tiny bunches of cauliflower or like flat, white areas that may be difficult to see.

When symptoms do develop, they usually occur 2 to 3 months after infection. However, they may develop from 3 weeks to many years after infection. Possible symptoms include irritation, itching, and bleeding.

How are genital warts diagnosed?

A health professional usually diagnoses genital warts using a medical history and a physical examination. during the medical history, your health professional will ask about possible risk factors for warts, such as whether you have recently had unprotected sex.

He or she will do a physical examination to look for signs of genital warts or other sexually transmitted diseases. Women will have a gynecological exam, including a Pap test. If the exam reveals abnormal tissue but a definite diagnosis cannot be made, your health professional may take a sample of tissue (known as a biopsy) for laboratory tests to identify the tissue.

How are they treated?

Genital warts caused by the most common types of HPV often go away on their own without treatment. after you are diagnosed, if you do not have symptoms or cosmetic concerns, you may observe your condition without using treatment. This is called watchful waiting.

Experts sometimes differ on how to treat the condition because genital warts often go away without treatment and because treatment does not eliminate the HPV infection.

Treatment will depend on:

The number of warts and their size and location.
Any problems the warts are causing.
The side effects and costs of treatment.
Your health professional's skill in treating warts.
Your preferences.
Even if you are treated to remove visible warts or your warts go away without treatment, the HPV infection is not cured; it remains in your body's cells.

Even with treatment for genital warts, you still may be able to spread the infection. Condoms may help reduce the risk of spreading the infection, but they do not fully protect against genital contact.

For about four years I've noticed changes in several of my moles. then I have a lot of more than I used to. They are all oddly shaped and colored. then I have these place the size of a freckle that are red.

It's been about four years since I've noticed the changes and I'm scared to go to the doctor. I was just wondering though if I did have skin cancerfor as long as I thought I have wouldn't I have had more symptoms?

Not necessarily, you really need to go to a dermatologist. You may be scared but if you want to live a long life then you better make an appointment soon………

Why have you left this for 4 years? If you go to the doctors and it is terminal then you have yourself to blame for not going to the doctors to get it checked out. better to be a bit anxious than almost dead

In July I noticed a small white freckle shaped thing on my back. I figured I must have had something on my back while I was soaking up the sun. now, it seemed to have spread on my back. its about 5 inches now but it is all blotchy. Should I see a doctor?

Yes see a doctor, especially since it is spreading…

Yes you should get a referral to a dermatologist real soon so she can look at it for you.

Yes you should. Symptoms for skin cancer include odd spots that grow, and moles. if you have any of these, you definitely should see a doctor.

is it just sores and scabs and stuff like that? or is it life threatenting and other things like that? links would be good if there are some

No sores, just a change in the colour or size of a skin blemish, mole etc., it could also be the sudden appearance of one and usually a very dark or blackish colour.
Four weeks ago I was checked by my skin specialist, a Dermatologist, and given the all clear. but just four days ago my doctor removed a suspected Melanoma from my neck after it appeared suddenly. I decided on complete removal rather than first having a biopsy as any delay could be fateful. Now awaiting biopsy report to confirm. better safe – than sorry!
Everyone should have a skin check at least once a year.

Do they give you a blood test? Is it just based on visual symptoms? I get some dry itchy patches and acne. My derm said it looks like I have Eczema and to use hydrocortisone cream. but I would like to know for sure. Should I go back and have any tests done?

eczema is fairly common. There are certain remedies to treat it and keep it from coming back…

eczemanaturalremedies.org/recommends/CureEczema.php

thats from a site i made.. if cortisone doesn't help much try it out

Well your dermatologist is the trained expert and they probably can tell the difference between Ezcema or Psoriasis just by looking at it (ie psoriasis is more flaky). They looked at mine and said I have Eczema. I just buy over the counter meds and that took care of it.