Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2026, e20260309.doi: 10.35541/cjd.20260309

• Guidelines and Consensus • Previous Articles    

2026 Chinese Guideline for the Clinical Management of Anogenital Warts

Committee on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, China Dermatologist Association   

  1. Committee on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, China Dermatologist Association
  • Received:2026-06-01 Revised:2026-10-04 Online:2026-01-22 Published:2026-11-09
  • Contact: Xu Jinhua; Lu Xiaonian; Zhou Pingyu; Wang Qianqiu E-mail:xjhhsyy@163.com; xjhhsyy@163.com; zhoupingyu@medmail.com.cn; doctorwqq@163.com

Abstract: 【Abstract】    Anogenital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata, are benign proliferative lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and primarily affect the skin and mucous membranes of the anogenital region. The disease is highly transmissible and has a high recurrence rate, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Currently, no specific antiviral treatment is available to eradicate HPV infection. This guideline was developed by a panel of experts in sexually transmitted diseases and related fields in China, organized by the Committee on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, China Dermatologist Association. It was developed in accordance with the international guideline development standards of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and EvaluationⅡ (AGREEⅡ) and tailored to the epidemiological characteristics of China, aiming to address key issues, including diagnostic challenges, treatment controversies, and management difficulties. Standardized diagnosis and treatment, together with comprehensive management throughout the disease course, are the core principles of this guideline. Typical lesions can be diagnosed clinically, whereas atypical lesions or those involving special anatomical sites require a combination of diagnostic methods, including the acetic acid test, dermoscopy, colposcopy, anoscopy, urethroscopy, HPV testing, and histopathological examination. Precancerous lesions and malignancies should be ruled out before treating cervical or intra-anal warts. Individualized and combination treatment strategies should be adopted to remove visible warts, with particular attention to the management of subclinical infections and regular follow-up for latent infections. Follow-up is recommended for 6 - 9 months after wart clearance. Differential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should be implemented for special populations, including pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised individuals. HPV vaccination is recommended for eligible populations, along with sexual partner screening and education on safer sexual practices. This guideline provides standardized diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for clinical practice, with the aim of improving the quality of standardized clinical care and strengthening the comprehensive disease prevention and control system.

Key words: Condylomata acuminata, Anus, Anogenital warts, Human papillomavirus, Clinical governance, Diagnostic and treatment guideline