Different Types of HPV

HPV isn’t just one condition or one disease. Human Papillomavirus spreads across a wide range of different infection types. The good news is that the most common types are easily treatable, and that many of the least common types tend to be essentially harmless, showing no actually symptoms.For the purposes of this article, we’ll only focus on the types you need to be concerned about. These include the various HPV types that do show symptoms in the form of warts, and a few types which do not show symptoms, but which can lead to further complications. The fact is that there are a lot of HPV types that you simply don’t have to worry about, so we’ll focus on the more harmful or uncomfortable types which can be prevented, identified, and properly treated.Common WartsThese are the types we’ve all had, types 2 and 7. They cause warts on the hands and feet, but they’re really not a big deal, they’re just ugly and uncomfortable. Some simple over the counter treatment can usually take care of them.Plantar WartsCaused by types 1, 2 and 4. These are not dangerous, but are even less comfortable than hand warts, as they effect the bottom of the feet and can make the simple act of walking a pain. These are best dealt with quickly.Flat WartsFlat warts are similar to plantar warts, in that they tend to affect the feet and are uncomfortable, but tend to be sort of “ingrown”. These are caused by types 3 and 10.AnoGenital WartsCaused by types 6, 11, 42, 43, 44, 55 and a number of others. These are basically what we call “Genital Warts” and can affect the genitals and the anus. There is little to no overlap between Genital Warts and genital cancers. If you have anogenital warts, they won’t lead to cervical cancer, but it goes without saying that these are best treated quickly with advice from a medical professional.Genital CancersTypes 16, 18, 31, 35, 38, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73 and 82. Genital cancers are caused by HPV types affecting the genitals without actually showing any warts. In women, these can typically only be identified by a pap smear.Epidermodysplasia VerruciformisEpidermodysplasia verruciformis is actually a hereditary skin condition, and can result in typically asymptomatic HPV types resulting in warts or scales. More than 15 types of HPV can be associated with this condition. Epidermodysplasia verruciformis cannot be contracted from HPV, though, and is completely hereditary.Focal Epithelia HyperplasiaFocal epithelia hyperplasia, also known as “Heck’s disease” is an oral infection causing pink, whitish, mucosal masses in the mouth. The masses are painless and contagious, occurring commonly in children and adolescents, sometimes continuing into adulthood. This condition is associated with HPV types 13 and 32. No severe health problems have been linked to this condition.Oral PapillomasOral warts can be caused by HPV types 6, 7, 11, 16 and 32. Luckily, oral papillomas are quite rare, though are best dealt with via surgery.