The growths are occasionally seen before puberty or after menopause. Lesions can also arise on the skin near the anus, vagina, cervix and urethra. They usually appear first as a small thickened area of skin with definite edges. Occasionally, they spread and enlarge, forming a large cluster of warts that look like tiny cauliflower. The warts appear on the vulva as raised and sometimes reddened patches that may hurt or itch.
Treatments occur weekly until the warts are gone.
Burning may temporarily follow its application. Podophyllin is another drug that is painted on the warts. It needs to be washed off. It is used less often due to side effects and the need to rinse it off. Interferon, a drug that is injected into the warts or into a muscle, may be used for recurrent lesions or for immunosuppressed patients.