Genital Warts – Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Genital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease. Genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a transmitted infection (STI). Genital warts also called venereal warts. Genital warts may be small, flat, flesh-colored bumps or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps. Genital warts are a type of transmitted disease (STD). Most people who acquire those strains never develop warts or any other symptoms. HPV also causes many cases of cervical cancer; types 16 and 18 account for 70% of cases. Genital warts can be passed from person to person through intimate contact. In men, genital warts can grow, near the anus, or between the scrotum. In women, genital warts may grow on the vulva and perineal area, in the and on the cervix. HPV infection also is associated with the development of other anogenital cancers in women. The HPV types that cause cervical cancer also have been linked with both anal and penile cancer in men as well as a subgroup of head and neck cancers in both women and men. Most patients with genital warts are seen between the ages of 17-33 years. Genital warts are highly contagious.

HPV grows well in the moist genital area. HPV infection appears to be more common and worse in patients with various types of immunologic deficiencies. Warts on the outer genitals are easily recognized. They are raised, flesh-colored lesions that may occur singly or in clusters. Left untreated, warts may rapidly enlarge, taking on a “cauliflower-like” appearance.Multiple simultaneous lesions are common and may involve subclinical states as well as different anatomic sites. Subclinical infections have an infectious and oncogenic potential. Consider the possibility of abuse in pediatric cases; however, remember that infection by direct manual contact or, rarely, by indirect transmission from fomites may occur. Additionally, passage through an infected canal at birth may cause respiratory lesions in infants. Many Symptoms of Genital Warts. Genital warts are painless, they may be bothersome because of their location, size, or due to itching. The size may range from less than one millimeter across to several square centimeters when many warts join together.Men and women with genital warts will often complain of painless bumps, itching, and discharge.

Genital warts must be treated by a doctor. Carbon dioxide laser treatment is used for extensive or recurrent genital warts. Podophyllin and podofilox should not be used during pregnancy, as they are absorbed by the skin and may cause birth defects in the fetus. 5-fluorouracil cream should not be used while trying to become pregnant or if there is a possibility of pregnancy. Antiviral drug interferon-alpha directly into the warts, to treat warts that have returned after removal by traditional means. Surgical treatments include cryosurgery, electrocauterization, laser therapy, or cutting them out. Cryosurgery is technique freezes the wart using liquid nitrogen or a “cryoprobe.” Electrodesiccation technique uses an electric current to destroy the warts. It can be done in the office with local anesthesia. The resulting smoke plume may be infectious. Imiquimod (Aldara) cream appears to boost your immune system’s ability to fight genital warts. Avoid contact while the cream is on your skin. It may weaken condoms and diaphragms and may irritate your partner’s skin. Condoms offer some protection against genital warts, but they can’t completely prevent them because the warts can be outside of the area protected by the condom. Spermicidal foams, creams, and jellies have not been proven to protect against HPV and genital warts. Avoid STDs by having a monogamous relationship with a partner known to be disease-free.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health care clinic and home remedies. She also writes articles on beauty tips.


Recommended links


Warts Genital
Warts Genital


Moles, Warts, Skin Tags And Their Treatment

Skin lesions of various types like moles, warts, cysts and skin tags can be all very cumbersome. Though most of them are benign yet they may be painful or unsightly. They may even restrict movement. So, you may want to have them removed.

The moles, warts and skin tags are skin infections caused by specific viruses- wart viruses. The viruses produce bumps on various parts of the body or the soles of the feet. These may be due to potassium deficiency too. The warts are always granular. Just as any viral disease the warts too are contagious in case the other person(s) concerned is (are) susceptible to the virus.

The idea of removing these lesions surgically using laser, knife or some acid might make you afraid. However, you need not fear. Surgical removal is usually considered only if treatments involving medicines, creams and lotions cannot be effective in the situation. You need to consult your personal physician for analyzing about going about with carrying out surgical procedures. Surgery is also generally resorted to if the skin lesion shows signs of turning cancerous e.g. a mole has changed shape and color. Surgical removal of moles, warts and skin tags are also preferred for more precise removal or for the removal of larger lesions.

In order to get rid of the potassium deficiency, if any, which may be causative of the warts, moles and skin tags you need to take in foods containing potassium. Some simple remedial measures can also be adopted for removing the skin lesions. Soaking the wart in warm water for 15-20 minutes and drying and then applying apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball to be left for 10-15 minutes is a good remedy. This should be then washed off with water and the area concerned should be dried. Again, dissolving an aspirin with a small drop of water, applying to the wart and covering the area with a band-aid helps when done twice daily.

Treatment for removal of moles, warts and skin tags may be done by freezing the lesion with liquid gas or treating with chemicals like salicylic acid, which are ‘painted on’ the area. The surgery involved in removing skin lesions like moles, warts and skin tags is usually quick and straightforward. It does not even need an overnight stay and you can go home after having the operation done at the GP surgery or hospital on the same day. However, you need to discuss with your physician what you can expect from the surgery. It may even be that a margin of skin around the lesion may need to be removed along with the lesion thus leaving a bigger wound than you can expect looking at the lesion’s size.

Upon completion of the operation the local anesthesia will lose effect soon and you may feel a pain. For this, painkillers may be administered as per prescription from your physician. After completion of surgery you may be asked to give up or reduce smoking in order to lower the risk of infection and hastening healing.

Author Barney Garcia is a proud contributing author and enjoys writing about many different topics. Please visit my web sites @ www.moles-and-warts.info and www.extreme-net.info


Recommended links


Wart
Wart


Powered by Yahoo! Answers