What are Genital warts? Learn its causes and home remedies
2024-06-12 00:00:00
Genital warts are a brown or flesh-colored growth in the genital and anal area and are the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). They are caused by infection by a subgroup of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and generally do not cause many symptoms. But they can also be itchy, unsightly, and painful. If this is avoided, another subgroup of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. Therefore, individuals with genital warts should seek medical advice before starting treatment. Treatment of this condition can take a long time. Although there is no treatment to completely remove the human papillomavirus, they can be treated by your doctor if the condition flares up. Treatment procedures include medication, cryotherapy, surgical excision, electrocautery, laser treatment or cauterization with certain acidic solutions. To treat warts it is important to know the location, progression in warts, number of warts, their size, cost of treatment, side effects and expertise of the doctor. When you have decided to seek medical advice for genital warts, you should tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or going to be one because in that case the treatment is specific. Your use will be affected if creams or ointments are used for treatment and you should also avoid bubble baths and scented soaps which can irritate the skin. Seeking treatment advice from a random pharmacy is considered. Abstaining from smoking & sexual activity is also advised as this can give the chance of spreading it to your partner.
Symptoms of Genital warts
A person infected with genital warts may develop symptoms several months after infection. Genital warts are usually difficult to see with the human eye. They appear as very small skin bumps or as a flesh-colored rash. In other cases, their tops may look like cauliflower and feel smooth or slightly rough to the touch.
- Although genital warts are painless, they can be bothersome due to their location or size.
- Genital warts often cause painless sores, itching and fluid discharge in both men and women affected.
- Warts can occur in more than one area.
- In men, genital warts infect the urinary tract, penis, scrotum, and rectal area.
- Warts can be present in the soft areas of women like vagina, cervix, reproductive canal or anus.
- In very rare cases, women may experience bleeding during sexual intercourse, itching or vaginal discharge.
- Women may experience symptoms such as itching, burning or tenderness in and around the vagina.
Causes of Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). So far, more than 100 types of HPV virus have been identified, of which 40 types of virus have been found to have the ability to infect the genital area. The HPV virus can be transmitted very quickly from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. This is the reason why it is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STI). In general, the HPV virus does not always cause complications of genital warts. In most cases, the virus is destroyed or goes away without causing any health problems. Apart from this, having unprotected sex can also spread the disease of genital warts.
Other causes of genital warts-
- By taking birth control pills.
- More than one sexual partner.
- Having sex at a young age.
After removing the wart, the following things should be kept in mind –
- Keep the area clean and don't itch or scratch.
- Wash your hands after touching the area where the wart was.
- If you feel uncomfortable, don't have sex.
- If there is swelling or pain in that area, cold packs can provide relief.
Ways to prevent genital warts
The cause of genital warts is a sexually transmitted virus, so it is very important to be vigilant to prevent it. The following important steps can be taken to prevent the occurrence of genital warts or to avoid its infection. These include:-
- Using protection, such as condoms, when having sex.
- Inform your sexual partner if you have genital warts.
- Get vaccinated to avoid HPV.
- Stop smoking.
- In most cases, the virus does not show any symptoms in a person infected with HPV. That is why a doctor should be contacted to check for HPV infection.
- The HPV vaccines Gardasil and Gardasil 9 can protect men and women against the most common types of HPV that cause genital warts.
- Women may experience symptoms such as itching, burning or tenderness in and around the vagina.
Home remedies for Genital warts
Apple Cider Vinegar-
Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for removing genital warts. To use it as a treatment, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, place it on the warts and cover it with adhesive tape. Remove it after a few hours. Follow this process every day until the warts do not fall, repeat it.
Tea tree oil-
To treat genital warts, tea tree oil can be applied on the warts through a cotton swab. It can be used once a day till the warts are relieved. This helps the warts gradually turn white and fall off.
Vitamin C-
Some warts can be treated with vitamin C. This paste can be applied directly on genital warts by crushing a vitamin C tablet and mixing it with a few drops of water. Let this paste dry on the warts. This process destroys the papilloma virus.
Baking soda-
Make a thick paste by adding baking soda to one teaspoon of castor oil. Apply this paste on the affected area or warts and bandage it. This remedy is effective in treating warts.
Castor oil-
Vitamin E oil or castor oil can also be applied to genital warts to get rid of HPV infection.
When to go to the doctor?
A doctor must be consulted in the following situations:
- If you are experiencing symptoms associated with genital warts.
- If you have recently had a new sexual partner and are experiencing symptoms.
- If one sexual partner has symptoms, the other person is advised to see a doctor as they may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- If the patient has a sexually transmitted infection.
- If the patient is a pregnant woman or planning pregnancy.