A genital infection presents with soft, moist, skin-colored papules that progress to cauliflower-like masses. The most likely diagnosis is:

• A. Molluscum contagiosum
• B. Condylomata lata
• C. Genital warts
• D. Herpes simplex

Answer: (C)

Cauliflower-like masses emerging from soft, moist, skin-colored papules point to genital warts caused by human papillomavirus. These warts, often due to HPV types 6 and 11, begin as small, smooth papules and can grow together into irregular, papillomatous lesions in the genital area. This pattern is distinct from other infections: molluscum contagiosum presents as dome-shaped, umbilicated papules; condylomata lata are flat, gray-white plaques seen in secondary syphilis; and herpes simplex causes painful grouped vesicles that crust and ulcerate rather than forming cauliflower-like masses.