Which statement about condylomata acuminata is true?

Which statement about condylomata acuminata is true?

• A. They always require treatment
• B. They are caused by fungi
• C. They may regress spontaneously without treatment
• D. They are highly contagious only during active outbreaks

Answer: (C)

Genital warts caused by human papillomavirus can come and go on their own as the immune system mounts a response, so they do not always require treatment. This spontaneous regression is why observation is a reasonable option in many pediatric cases, especially if the warts are small, asymptomatic, and not bothersome. They are not caused by fungi, which is why antifungal therapies would not be appropriate. Transmissibility isn’t limited to times when warts are visible or actively inflamed; the virus can be shed and spread even without obvious lesions, so the idea that they’re only contagious during outbreaks isn’t accurate.

Genital warts caused by human papillomavirus can come and go on their own as the immune system mounts a response, so they do not always require treatment. This spontaneous regression is why observation is a reasonable option in many pediatric cases, especially if the warts are small, asymptomatic, and not bothersome. They are not caused by fungi, which is why antifungal therapies would not be appropriate. Transmissibility isn’t limited to times when warts are visible or actively inflamed; the virus can be shed and spread even without obvious lesions, so the idea that they’re only contagious during outbreaks isn’t accurate.