Which statement about genital warts management is true?

Which statement about genital warts management is true?

• A. They always require surgery
• B. They often regress spontaneously without treatment
• C. They never regress
• D. They are caused by bacteria

Answer: (B)

Genital warts result from human papillomavirus infection, and in many pediatric cases the infection is self-limited. Because the body's immune system often clears the virus and the warts can regress on their own, observation is a reasonable first approach rather than rushing to removal. This is especially true in children, where conservative management helps avoid unnecessary pain, scarring, or treatment-related side effects. Treatment is usually reserved for lesions that are bothersome, extensive, or persistent or when there are psychosocial concerns or immunocompromise, not to imply that surgery is routinely required. Antibiotics do not treat HPV, and the existence of a viral infection, not a bacterial one, explains why a true cure isn’t achieved with antibiotics. While warts may be followed by spontaneous resolution, if treatment is pursued, options are used cautiously in children and focus on symptom relief or reducing transmission.

Genital warts result from human papillomavirus infection, and in many pediatric cases the infection is self-limited. Because the body's immune system often clears the virus and the warts can regress on their own, observation is a reasonable first approach rather than rushing to removal. This is especially true in children, where conservative management helps avoid unnecessary pain, scarring, or treatment-related side effects. Treatment is usually reserved for lesions that are bothersome, extensive, or persistent or when there are psychosocial concerns or immunocompromise, not to imply that surgery is routinely required. Antibiotics do not treat HPV, and the existence of a viral infection, not a bacterial one, explains why a true cure isn’t achieved with antibiotics. While warts may be followed by spontaneous resolution, if treatment is pursued, options are used cautiously in children and focus on symptom relief or reducing transmission.