Treatment for genital warts, which are HPV skin lesions that can occur on both the male and female genital organs, should be managed by a dermatologist, gynecologist, or urologist.
Depending on the case and the severity of the situation, treatment may be done using creams, ointments such as Imiquimod or Podofilox, for example, or through surgery. See the most commonly used remedies in: Remedy for HPV.
To effectively treat genital warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, the medicine prescribed by the doctor for a few weeks should be applied to the infected area. However, the cure can take a few months or even years.
Treatment for female genital warts
The treatment for female genital warts should be directed by a dermatologist or gynecologist and is usually done with ointments for warts, such as Imiquimod, Podofilina, Podofilox or trichloroacetic acid, for example, that should be applied in the affected region.
A small amount of the remedy should be applied at the site of the warts that are visible, avoiding touching with the medicine on the skin that is healthy due to the risk of irritating healthy tissues.
For the treatment to be more effective, the woman should:
- Avoid doing the depilation in the genital zone, especially using razor to not hurt the skin;
- Avoid wearing tight pants because the heat can lead to the spread of the warts;
- Avoid going in the pool and saunas, as well as avoiding wet objects like beach chairs, as moisture and heat help increase the warts.
In addition, during treatment, the person can work, go to school or exercise without restrictions.
Treatment for male genital warts
Treatment for male genital warts should be directed by a dermatologist or urologist and is usually done by applying ointments to warts, such as Podofilin, to the penis, anus, or nearby region such as the groin or testicles, depending on the location affected.
In addition, when warts are identified in an individual, the sexual partner should also be examined and treated, and the best way to avoid contamination is with the use of the condom in close contact. Learn more about male HPV treatment in men.
Home Treatment for Genital Warts
Some forms of home treatment for genital warts include
- Sitz baths : Baths should be made with water and vinegar that help stimulate the body's response to acting against genital warts.
- Foods rich in beta-carotene and folic acid: one should eat tomato, radish, mango or pumpkin.
Home treatment should complement clinical treatment because there is as yet no scientific proof of its efficacy.
Signs of improvement
Signs of genital warts usually appear when the person is being treated, and the warts start to shrink and flatten, eventually dropping.
Signs of worsening
Signs of worsening usually occur when the patient does not follow the doctor's recommended treatment and include increasing the number and size of the warts in the genital area. In that case, it is necessary to return to the doctor to change the treatment.
Complications of genital warts
The complications of genital warts arise when the treatment indicated by the doctor is not fulfilled and the main complications include the increase of the size of the warts and the extension, besides the high risk of contagion of the partners.
In addition, in some cases, it can progress to cancer, requiring a more specific treatment.
Learn more about HPV warts at:
- Does HPV Cure?
- Vaccine for HPV
