What Does Genital Warts Look Like When They First Appear?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Genital warts may first appear as small, flesh-colored or slightly pink bumps. Some have a cauliflower-like surface, while others are smooth or flat. These early lesions are typically 1-3 millimeters in size and may appear as single bumps or small clusters. The warts often have a rough, grainy texture and can be flat or slightly raised. They're usually painless but may cause mild itching or irritation. Early genital warts can be difficult to notice since they're often the same color as surrounding skin. About 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11, which are considered low-risk strains. Genital warts may appear months or even years after HPV infection, so their appearance usually cannot show when the infection was acquired.
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