Genital warts, a common sexually transmitted disease, are caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV. Genital warts can appear on the skin anywhere in the genital area. The most common symptom of genital wart is fleshy cauliflower-shaped bumps on the skin in the genital area.
Treatment for Genital Warts
The HPV infection never leaves a patient's body. However, the genital warts can go away temporarily with proper treatment. Patients suffering from burning sensation, pain, and itching should consult a physician before starting on any medication.
In 30% of cases, the warts go away of their own. Patients can ask their doctors for topical creams that can be applied safely at home. For stubborn genital wart removal surgical intervention is required.
Genital Warts Medication
There are some good topical medicines that can be used for home treatment of genital warts. Imiquimod (Aldara) cream helps the body to fight genital warts by boosting the body’s immune response. However, while the cream is on the skin, sexual contact should be avoided as the cream has the potential to weaken the condoms and diaphragms.
Trichloroacetic acid is also useful to burn off genital warts. However, it should never be used at home. TCA treatment should be strictly done in a doctor’s office.
Podophyllin, a plant-based resin, is also commonly used by doctors for genital warts cure. Podofilox, a similar medication, can be safely used as a home remedy of genital wart. The medication is not recommended for pregnant women.
Laser Surgery for Genital Warts
Larger genital warts and warts that do not respond to medications can be cured by intervention of surgery. Surgical intervention is also useful for pregnant women with genital warts.
Genital warts can be surgically removed by using an intense beam of light. Laser treatment of warts is opted for extensive genital warts. The procedure is costly compared to other surgical treatments of genital warts.
Freezing Genital Warts
Doctors often opt for cryotherapy or freezing with liquid nitrogen to treat genital warts. By using this technique, a blister is formed around the warts. As the skin heals, new skin regenerate.
Electrocautery and Surgical Incision
Electrical current is used sometimes to burn off genital warts. This process is known as electrocautery. Genital warts can also be surgically removed. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia in doctor’s office.
Although the virus never leaves the body, genital warts can be treated so that they disappear from the skin. From topical creams to surgery, many options are available for wart removal. Patients suffering from this STD should seek the help of their doctors to get evaluated and treated.
Sources:
MayoClinic.com accessed on 20 July 2010
NHS.uk accessed on 20 July 2010
