Genital Wart
It is the name given to the wart (verruca) caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the genital area.
HPV infection, which is the most common infection transmitted by sexual intercourse in the world, is more common in individuals who have their first sexual experience at an early age and have a high number of sexual partners.
How is HPV transmitted?
Genital warts have a high potential for infection. Genital warts are mostly transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sexual contact. However, it can also be transmitted by contact with warts or warts in different parts of the body and by contact with a person or persons with HPV. Risk Factors in HPV Transmission; Early sexual intercourse, Excessive number of sexual partners, Unprotected sexual intercourse, History of sexually transmitted infections, Immune system
What are the Symptoms of Genital Warts?
They appear as raised or flat, skin-colored, pink-brown flesh mole-like bumps. Genital warts usually start as millimeters, but rarely warts of several cm can be seen. Although genital warts are often asymptomatic; bleeding and itching may also be observed.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Genital Warts?
As a medical cream treatment, imiquimod (Aldara®) is applied every other day, at night and treatment can be continued for up to 16 weeks. Its efficacy is more limited than cryotherapy and cautery treatment.
It can be used to prevent recurrence of the disease in cases of rapid regeneration after cryotherapy or cautery treatment.
Podophyllin is applied by the patient or the doctor and it is requested to wash the wart 4-6 hours after the drug is applied on the wart.
Bichloric acid or TCA 35-85% can be applied to warts once or twice a week. They are also safe to use in pregnant women. However, the effectiveness is less when compared with cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) and electrocautery are more effective than cream applications and can be used in pregnant women.
For large warts, it may be necessary to resort to surgery.
Do warts come back after treatment?
Treated warts usually do not come back, but new warts may develop because the HPV virus cannot be completely eliminated. Regular check-ups are recommended.
Treatment Process and Aftermath
The duration of treatment varies depending on the method chosen and the number and size of the warts. Mild redness, swelling or crusting of the skin may occur after treatment, but these effects are usually short-lived. Regular check-ups and hygiene are very important to prevent the treated warts from growing back.