---
title: "Genital warts: symptoms, causes & treatment | Sanara Health"
description: "Genital warts are caused by HPV and appear as small lumps or clusters. They are treatable with prescription topical creams or clinic procedures."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/conditions/genital-warts/"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
# Genital warts: symptoms, causes & treatment

Genital warts are caused by HPV and appear as small lumps or clusters. They are treatable with prescription topical creams or clinic procedures.

Editorial information by **Kaiser Khan**. Not clinically reviewed.

## Symptoms

- Small flesh-coloured lumps on genitals or anus
- Itching or discomfort
- Bleeding if irritated
- May be too small to see without examination

## Why it happens

Human papillomavirus (HPV), spread by skin contact during sex. Not all HPV types cause visible warts; vaccination reduces some strains.

## Treatment

Prescription topical treatments applied at home for suitable cases, or clinic cryotherapy/freezing for larger warts. Treatment may take weeks; warts can recur.

## Self-care that helps

Do not pick warts; use condoms to reduce transmission (does not fully prevent HPV); attend cervical screening if applicable.

## When to get help

Large, painful or rapidly spreading warts, or uncertainty about the diagnosis — in-person sexual health clinic assessment.

[See our genital warts support →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/)

Go deeper

## Related guides

[Genital warts treatment UK: online options and recovery time — How genital warts are treated in the UK — prescription creams, clinic freezing, partner advice, and HPV vaccination.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/genital-warts-treatment-uk/)

Available without prescription

## Products that can help

[Everyday health — Vitamin D3: 1000 IU explained](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/vitamin-d3-1000iu/)

[Everyday health — Omega-3 fish oil](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/omega-3-fish-oil/)

[Everyday health — Daily multivitamins](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/daily-multivitamin/)