Genital warts form on the male genitalia, female genitalia (both inside and outside) and near anus. They may appear singly or in a bunch and if allowed untreated, they can grow bigger and appear like cauliflowers. It is better to prevent getting genital warts rather than treating them. But the problem is this- one who passes on the virus that causes genital warts may be unaware that he/she has got the virus. So despite all precautions such as use of condoms etc. you may still get them.



Genital warts- surgical removal

To remove the wart the most popular method is to apply liquid nitrogen to it. Liquid nitrogen has very low temperature and will kill the skin and tissues of the warts. After few applications, the wart will get killed and can be removed easily. This is done by doctors and is not a very painful procedure. Again how to and whether to use liquid nitrogen depends upon the location of the wart. Your doctor may get electrocautery or surgical excision to remove the wart. Lasers have emerged as a good option. All the treatments depend upon the location of the wart. Even after the wart is removed, there is no guarantee that it will not come up again.

Treatment With Imiquimod-

Imiquimod is used topically to treat warts on the genital and anal areas. It helps the body's immune system to fight the virus. It does not cure warts. It helps the body to get rid of them. It also does not kill the virus. New warts can appear when imiquimod is being used.

Care-

Imiquimod should be not be used in pregnancy without doctor's consent. It also cannot be used inside the genitals: inside vagina. Imiquimod should not be used on inflamed skin. Use of imiquimod does not stop spreading of virus by the user. Imiquimod has to be used thrice a week for sixteen weeks.

Common side effects of imiquimod-

Skin blisters, cough, body aches, itching in genital area, etc., are common side effects of imiquimod. Your doctor will tell you more in detail.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.