Warts are common. They are usually very minor and easy to treat. Many of these will resolve themselves. However, that doesn’t make warts trivial. Many are ugly, some can cause pain, and patients who have weakened immune systems may experience major issues with warts. Worry is the most common symptom, followed closely by embarrassment. Both can be treated with simple information.
Defining Genital Warts
Genital warts can be small growths around the anus or genitals. They are also called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts. They can form in either single or multiple warts. They can be as small as 5 millimeters or smaller, but they can grow into large masses in certain cases. The warts are often skin-colored, or slightly darker.
Genital warts are a condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the genital, or anal, area. This includes the penis and scrotum in males. Females include the vulva, internal surface of vagina, cervix and anus. Genital warts don’t usually cause pain, but they can cause redness, discomfort, itching, or even bleeding. Find out the duration of outbreaks. HPV infection doesn’t always lead to symptoms. Some people get the infection but don’t develop warts. The warts may appear after 3 weeks, several years, or even decades.
How Common Are Genital Warts?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Trusted Source, HPV is the most prevalent STI in the United States. However, only 10% of HPV-infected people develop genital warts. Many people are not aware that they have HPV infection. According to the CDC, 1 in 100 Americans who are sexually active have had genital warts.
How to Treat Genital Warts
Genital warts can be treated quickly. There are two types of treatment available for genital warfare. This includes the penis and scrotum in males. The type and location of your warts will determine the type of treatment that you receive. The following treatments are available:
Applying a cream, lotion, or chemical to the warts
You can destroy the warts using heating, freezing or removing them.
The treatment may take several weeks to fully work. You may be asked to refrain from using creams or lotions that can irritate your skin during this time. It may be recommended that you not have sex with your partner until your treatment is over and your warts are gone.
These treatments may be able to remove the warts, but they don’t cure the virus that causes them. However, some people are able to get rid of the virus slowly. Before using genital wart treatments, you should consult a healthcare professional. Many wart treatments can be used only on the hands and feet, and should not be applied to your genitals.
