How does HPV spread?
HPV infections are primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, making it one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Studies indicate that approximately one-third of the global population carries the virus, with men who have sex with men at a notably higher risk.
Transmission risk increases when viruses come into contact with broken or damaged skin. Additionally, HPV can spread via contaminated items like towels or razors.
How are genital (HPV) warts diagnosed?
HPV genital warts may appear not only in the genital region but also on fingers, mouth, hands, feet, and other body parts. Typically, they present as small, grainy bumps with a rough texture, varying in appearance depending on the infected area. While most warts are benign and self-limiting, diagnosis is primarily based on visual examination, occasionally supplemented by skin scraping or biopsy.
Is treatment necessary?
While HPV genital warts may resolve on their own, untreated warts can persist for years, multiply, and potentially transmit the infection to others. Seeking medical attention for wart removal is advised to prevent such complications.
What are the treatment options?
Several over-the-counter treatments are available, but their effectiveness is limited, often leading to wart recurrence. Attempting to remove genital warts at home can result in bleeding, infection, scarring, and other complications. Thus, professional removal at a clinic is recommended.
Treatment Options for HPV Wart Removal
When it comes to addressing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genital warts, several treatment options are available, each with its own advantages, considerations, and effectiveness.
Topical Treatments:
Antiviral Creams: These creams, such as Aldara, work by stimulating the body’s immune response to target and eliminate the virus causing the warts. They are typically applied directly to the affected area and may need to be used for several weeks to see results.
Podophyllin-Based Ointments: Podophyllin is a plant-based resin that is applied topically to the warts to destroy the wart tissue. However, it’s important to note that podophyllin is not recommended for use during pregnancy and may have varying effectiveness rates.
Considerations: While topical treatments can be convenient and non-invasive, they often require consistent and prolonged application. Additionally, they may cause side effects such as redness, irritation, or burning at the application site.
Cryotherapy:
Procedure: Cryotherapy involves freezing the warts using liquid nitrogen, which destroys the wart tissue and underlying virus. The liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the wart using a special applicator.
Treatment Course: Multiple cryotherapy sessions may be required, depending on the size and severity of the warts. Following treatment, the genital warts typically blister and slough off over the course of several days to weeks.
Advantages: Cryotherapy is a well-established and effective treatment option for HPV genital warts, offering relatively rapid results and minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Considerations: Though it is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience mild discomfort or temporary redness at the treatment site. While patients experience significant benefits from the first session, some may also require more than 1 session for the wart to drop off.
Radiofrequency ablation:
Procedure: Radiofrequency Ablation involves using high-frequency electrical currents to ablate and remove the warts. A small probe is applied directly to the wart, delivering controlled heat to destroy the tissue.
Advantages: Electrocautery is a quick and effective method for removing genital warts, with minimal risk of recurrence. The procedure is typically performed in a clinic setting under local anaesthesia and has a relatively short recovery time. One would typically leave the clinic wart free after one session.
Considerations: While Radiofrequency Ablation is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience mild discomfort or temporary redness at the treatment site. Additionally, there is a slight risk of scarring with this method.
Surgical Excision:
Indication: Surgical excision may be recommended for larger or more stubborn warts that do not respond to other treatment modalities.
Procedure: During surgical excision, the wart is surgically removed using a scalpel or surgical scissors. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.
Advantages: Surgical excision allows for the complete removal of the wart, reducing the risk of recurrence. It may be particularly beneficial for deep-seated or extensive genital warts.
