Possible role of sexual abuse in boys with perianal warts

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical presentations of perianal warts in boys and to evaluate the possible relationship between the presence of perianal warts and the sexual abuse as mode of transmission. Materials and Methods: In a prospective clinical study, it conducted on 16 boys with clinically evident perianal warts at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Upper Egypt, between September 2012 and March 2016. A detailed history from the child and his family was taken. All boys underwent full clinical general and local examinations including (1) site, number, size, and the shape of warts in perianal region, (2) physical signs of sexual abuse, (3) warts in other body areas, and (4) signs of other sexually transmitted diseases. Results: The age of boys ranged from 4 to 10 years, with a mean ± standard deviation of 6.4 ± 1.9 years. Fourteen boys (87.5%) presented with multiple moist papules. Eleven boys (68.75%) had a progressive course. Fourteen boys (87.5%) had no symptoms (incidentally discovered) and 2 boys (12.5%) had perianal itching and pain. Thirteen boys (81.25%) had confirmed history of sexual abuse. Fourteen boys (87.5%) had no physical signs of sexual abuse and 2 boys (12.5%) had perianal fissures. Conclusion: Our results suggested that sexual abuse should be considered in every case of boys with perianal warts.