External warts affect the skin’s surface. Your doctor will recommend cryotherapy — a procedure in which the warts are frozen off using liquid nitrogen. [3] X Expert Source Heather Richmond, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 September 2020. They may recommend another method if warts affect areas that aren’t suitable for ointment, such as mucous membranes, the urethra, or inside of the vagina. Additionally, surgical removal might be your best option if large areas of skin are affected or if you have some medical conditions, such as an immune disorder.
It’s important that your doctor shows you exactly how to apply medication. Improper application can worsen side effects, such as irritated skin, or render the treatment ineffective. The three types of medicated ointments or gels are imiquimod, podofilox, and sinecatechins. Follow the specific instructions for the medication your doctor prescribes. Ask your doctor how long you’ll need to apply the ointments for them to be effective.
Medications for genital warts can irritate skin, so it’s important to make sure you wash away any excess from your hands. Furthermore, touching other surfaces after treating warts could spread germs.
Apply a higher strength ointment before bed 3 times per week. Apply a lower strength dose every night before bed. You’ll need to wash the area 6 to 10 hours after application regardless of the dosage strength.
Complete up to 4 cycles of 3 days of application and 4 days of no application. Ask your doctor if you should wash the treated area after several hours. Remember that your doctor will only prescribe one type of topical medication. Follow the instructions to apply podofilox only if your doctor prescribed it.
Keep in mind you’ll only apply one type of medicated ointment. If your doctor prescribed sinecatechins, you won’t need to use podofilox or imiquimod. Your doctor may prescribe you one treatment and then have you switch to a different treatment later on.
If you use a dressing, change it at least twice a day or after bathing. You can also wear a sanitary napkin or panty liner and change it out throughout the day.
Your doctor will most likely administer a local anesthetic, so you probably won’t feel anything at all during the procedure. You might experience some minor pain and swelling after, but it will go away in a few days. You may feel discomfort with laser removal, but not pain. If you saw a specialist, such as a dermatologist, urologist, or gynecologist, they’ll likely remove the warts during your initial visit. If you saw your primary doctor, they might not have experience performing a procedure or the right equipment. If necessary, they’ll refer you to a specialist. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source You can also visit a local STD clinic to have your genital warts removed.
Remember to wash your hands before and after caring for and dressing the affected area.
In rare cases, blisters or the incision site can become infected. Call your doctor if redness or swelling worsen after 24 to 48 hours, or if you notice pus or discharge.
Depending on the type of injection, you’ll have to see your doctor for treatments 2 to 3 times a week for 3 to 8 weeks.
Diagnosing HPV in males is more difficult because they often don’t show any symptoms. When you’re considering a new sexual partner, make sure you both get tested at an STD clinic. [18] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Scientists don’t completely understand how the virus goes dormant, but in most cases, a healthy immune system can suppress HPV within 1 to 2 years. [19] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Ask your doctor for information about the specific strain of HPV you contracted. There are well over 100 strains, and there are very few cases of strains that can cause reproductive cancers. Ask your doctor if you’re at risk of developing a reproductive cancer. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It’s a tough conversation to have, but try to be direct and honest. Tell past partners, “I want to let you know that I recently received treatment for HPV. It’s impossible to know when or how I contracted it, but I thought you’d want to know and get tested. “[22] X Research source You don’t have to share every detail of your sexual history with a new partner, but you should allow them to make an informed decision before having sex, especially if you’ve ever received treatment.
The length of time you should avoid intercourse depends on the type of treatment you receive. Treating warts reduces but doesn’t completely eliminate, the risk of spreading HPV.
