Genital Wart Treatment

Left untreated, genital warts can spread and increase in size

Early treatment of warts can prevent progression and spread to other areas.

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• Fast Effective Approach
• Over 15 years of clinical experience
• From $60 onwards

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 6 and 11, which account for 90% of infections. These warts can appear on the genital and anal areas of both men and women, presenting as small, flesh-colored or gray growths. While genital warts are typically painless, they can cause discomfort, itching, or emotional distress due to their location and appearance.

When do genital warts start to appear?

The human papilloma virus invades the skin or mucosal layer through micro-trauma in the genital area. It may take anytime from 3 weeks to 9 months incubation period before symptoms become apparent. Most frequently affected are the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, perineum, and perianal area. 

Do genital warts go away on their own?

In some cases, genital warts may go away on their own as the body’s immune system fights the HPV infection. Complete resolution of genital warts may take up to 2 years in more than half of cases. Treatment is often sought to speed up removal, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of transmission.

How are genital warts different from common warts?

Genital warts and common warts are both caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), but they are distinct in terms of the HPV strains involved, location, appearance, and transmission methods:

1. Cause:

   • Genital Warts: Caused primarily by HPV types 6 and 11, which are classified as low-risk HPV strains. These strains generally do not lead to cancer but can cause warts in the genital or anal areas. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are high-risk strains.
   • Common Warts: Typically caused by HPV types 1, 2, and 4. These strains usually affect areas like the hands, fingers, and feet.

2. Location:

   • Genital Warts: Appear on the genital, anal, or groin areas, including the cervix, vagina, penis, and scrotum.
   • Common Warts: Often found on the hands, fingers, elbows, and knees. Plantar warts, a type of common wart, develop on the soles of the feet.

3. Transmission:

   • Genital Warts: Spread through direct sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
   • Common Warts: Spread through non-sexual contact, typically through direct skin contact or indirectly via surfaces like floors or towels.

4. Appearance:

   • Genital Warts: Small, flesh-colored or grayish growths that may cluster together, sometimes resembling a cauliflower. They are generally softer and may be flat or raised.
   • Common Warts: Rough, raised, and often have a rough surface with a solid appearance. They can vary in size and are usually painless unless located in sensitive areas.

5. Health Implications:

   • Genital Warts: While the warts themselves are benign, some high-risk HPV strains (which do not cause visible warts) can lead to cancers, such as cervical or anal cancer.
   • Common Warts: Generally harmless and benign but can be unsightly and cause discomfort, especially on weight-bearing areas.

Genital wart treatments

Genital wart treatments focus on the removal of visible warts, alleviating symptoms, and reducing the risk of transmission. Although these treatments can effectively clear the external manifestations of the infection, they do not eradicate the underlying human papillomavirus (HPV), meaning recurrence is possible. A variety of treatment options are available, and the choice depends on the size, number, and location of the warts, as well as patient preference and overall health.

Treatment Options for Genital Warts:

• Topical Medications:

  • Imiquimod (Aldara): A prescription cream that stimulates the immune system to fight the virus. It is applied directly to the warts and may take several weeks to show results.
  • Podophyllotoxin (Condyline, Warticon): A plant-based solution that destroys the wart tissue. It is self-applied but typically requires multiple applications.
  • Sinecatechins (Veregen): A green tea extract ointment with antiviral properties, used primarily for external genital warts.

• Cryotherapy:

  • Freezing with Liquid Nitrogen: Cryotherapy involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, causing them to blister and eventually fall off. This is an effective and commonly used method, often requiring multiple sessions.

• Electrosurgery and Curettage:

  • Electrocautery: In this procedure, an electric current is used to burn off the warts, often followed by scraping away the wart tissue (curettage). It is typically reserved for larger or resistant warts.

• Laser Therapy:

  • Carbon Dioxide Laser: Laser therapy uses focused light energy to destroy warts, especially those that are hard to reach or extensive. This method is effective but can be painful, lead to some degree of scarring and is by no means curative.

• Surgical Excision:

  • Cutting Off Warts: This method involves physically cutting away the warts under local anesthesia. It is typically used for larger or more persistent warts and may result in quicker removal, though it carries a risk of scarring.

Can genital warts come back after treatment?

Many cases of genital warts fail to respond to treatment or may recur after adequate response. Recurrence of genital wart infection may be due to:

• Long incubation period of HPV
• Immunosuppression
• Recurrent infection from sexual contacts
• Deep viral lesions
• Persistence of virus in the surrounding skin or within hair follicle.

Genital Wart removal cost Singapore

FAQs

Schedule a consultation for Genital wart removal in Singapore

Genital warts are caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and while they are common, we understand the personal nature of this condition and prioritise patient comfort, privacy, and dignity. Our experienced medical team will guide you through treatment options and provide education on prevention, including HPV vaccination, to promote long-term health and well-being.

References:

1. Yanofsky VR, Patel RV, Goldenberg G. Genital warts: a comprehensive review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2012 Jun;5(6):25.
2. Iranmanesh B, Khalili M, Zartab H, Amiri R, Aflatoonian M. Laser therapy in cutaneous and genital warts: A review article. Dermatologic Therapy. 2021 Jan;34(1):e14671.