Are you struggling to understand the exact difference of genital wart vs pimple?
Some people may even wonder: “do genital warts pop?”, “can you pop genital warts like a pimple?”, “what happens if you pop a genital wart?”, and so on.
These are common questions from my readers, in which I’ve consulted medical doctor Dr Rabiyya Khan to understand more on these queries.
Genital Wart vs Pimple: Causes, Symptoms, Differentiation.
Genital warts is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are transmitted from one person to another through sexual as well as skin-to-skin contact. They can be found on the genitals, the groin, around the anus and even on the upper part of the thighs.
Genital pimple refers to a non-contagious condition caused by bacterial infection of the hair follicles, resulting in inflammation and redness of the skin. The condition is quite painful since the skin of the genital area is quite sensitive.
How To Differentiate Between Genital Wart and Pimple?
According to NHS UK, Medline Plus, and University of Michigan:
- Pimples usually occur singularly whereas warts appear in clusters.
- Warts are skin colored whereas a pimple has an inflamed and red appearance.
- Warts appear in the form of ulcers, sores or vesicles and have a rough cauliflower-like surface, whereas a pimple has a smooth surface with a raised, bump-like appearance.
- Warts eventually become covered with a scab and crust over. Pimples do not scab.
- Pimples often have a white center filled with pus. Warts do not express any discharge.
- Pimples cause pain, whereas warts are usually painless but may cause intense itching.
- Genital warts are associated with other symptoms like fever, painful urination and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin. Genital pimples are devoid of such accompanying symptoms.
- Genital warts spread if left untreated; Pimples regress on their own after some time.
Below is the genital wart vs pimple comparison table in a glance, including what do genital warts look like
| Cause | Sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | Inflammation and redness of skin caused by bacterial infection of the hair follicles |
| Appearance | Skin colored | Inflamed and red appearance |
| Rough cauliflower-like surface | Smooth surface with a raised, bump-like appearance | |
| Usually occur in clusters | Usually occur singularly | |
| Usually painless but may cause intense itching | Pimples can cause pain | |
| What is Inside? | Do not express any discharge | Often have a white center filled with pus |
| Contagious? | Spread if left untreated | Regress on their own after some time |
| Scabbing? | Eventually become covered with a scab and crust over | Do not scab |
Can Genital Warts Pop Up Overnight?
The incubation period of the genital warts, i.e. the period between exposure to the infection and the first symptoms appearance of the disease, is between 2 weeks and 8 months.
In some cases, the virus may become dormant after entering the body and can remain in this state for years even after the lesions have resolved.
The appearance of the lesions, however, takes time and it is not possible for the warts to pop up overnight after contact with the infected person.
Can You Pop Genital Warts Like A Pimple
So can genital warts be popped? What happens if you pop a genital wart?
According to Dr Rabiyya Khan M.D:
Unlike a pimple, it is impossible to pop a genital wart simply by squeezing it since it is anchored deep into the skin. Squeezing it only causes intense pain.
Health professionals strictly advise against trying to pop a genital wart because if, somehow, a genital wart gets burst or cut, it results in profuse bleeding.
This is because, as Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan pointed out, genital warts have many blood vessels which appear as purple dots and can bleed easily.
This bleeding occurs from the superficial blood vessels supplying the skin and is quite difficult to stop. This is why scratching the warts is also discouraged. The treatment of genital warts should, therefore, be carried out by a competent doctor only.
Living with genital warts can be quite uncomfortable. However, with proper care and caution, the condition can be dealt with.
Genital Warts Treatment and Removal: The Options?
The commonly available treatment methods for genital warts include:
Option 1: Genital Wart Surgery and Medical Treatment
- Interferon injections
- Cryotherapy
- Electrodessication (electrocautery)
- Laser removal
- Surgical excision
Removal of the warts is not, however, the same as curing the disease as virus may remain in the body and may cause recurrence of the disease. The disease is more likely to recur in people who smoke.
Option 2: Over The Counter Topical Treatment Cream
When people are fazed by how much does it cost to get rid of genital warts, it is understandable that the more cost effective options are considered in today’s tough economic climate.
While there are many over the counter wart removers in the consumer market, very few products are formulated to remove warts on delicate body areas like genitals with sensitive skin —
with below are the Top 2 over the counter topical creams for genital warts treatment at home, without prescription required:
#1 Nevi-Skin Mole Removal Cream by Dermal Meds
Made up of proprietary formula with natural herbal extracts, NeviSkin is an all natural topical treatment cream formulated to help remove genital warts, skin tag, and mole.
>> Visit Nevi-Skin official website to learn more
>> Check out comprehensive Nevi-Skin product reviews
#2 Wart & Mole Vanish Cream
Wart & Mole Vanish cream contains greater celandine plant, lemon, fig plant, cashew plant, and other natural ingredients.
>> Find out more on Wart & Mole Vanish cream and customer reviews
Genital Wart vs Pimple Review Summary: The Verdict
While genital warts and pimples have different causes and are different in appearance, it is important to note that genital wart is contagious and can spread if left untreated.
However, genital warts cannot be popped like a pimple, with health professionals strictly advise against trying to rip a genital wart off because it may result in profuse bleeding.
As such, it is recommended to pursue safer genital warts treatment approach – such as wart surgery by medical professionals, or over the counter genital wart removal cream.