best peptides for warts FAQ

Generally, genital warts, aka venereal warts or genital HPV, don’t cause symptoms, but they might be painful, itchy, and unsightly. Luckily, there are a number of treatments that can help. For external warts, these treatments include:

Genital warts may go away on their own, stay the same, grow, or spread. If you aren’t treated, you could also get more or larger genital warts. “In patients with a healthy immune system, it is possible for the warts to go away, but it can take months or sometimes years,” says Kovarik. They can also be transmitted to others, she notes. “Genital warts are always contagious. The HPV virus is shed from the skin, and if the warts are visibly present, the virus is also present.”

A board-certified dermatologist will consider all the factors of your warts, including if you are getting new ones, have immune system challenges, or have had other treatments. “Then the dermatologist can decide on a single or combination of treatments, which may include destructive methods, such as freezing (cryotherapy), and/or immunomodulatory medications, such as imiquimod,” Kovarik says.

Internal genital warts have extended into the anus or rectum, the vagina, or the mouth, says Kovarik. “These warts are not on the outside skin but are present on the wet mucosal surface.” If you have vaginal or cervical warts, the recommended treatments are:

Yes. The 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) does offer protection against HPV types 6 and 11, which are responsible for the vast majority of genital warts. Vaccination is a key preventive measure and is recommended by the CDC for people starting as early as age 9, up to age 26. The vaccine works best when it is given before any exposure to HPV. “Getting children vaccinated before they are sexually active is very helpful in preventing HPV infection” and genital warts, says Kovarik. The vaccine is also approved for people up to age 45. But if you are older than 27, talk to your doctor to decide if you should get vaccinated. Besides getting the HPV vaccine, there are other ways you can prevent genital warts. They include:

Most treatments for genital warts are safe but have some side effects. Pain or skin irritation indicated is usually not severe. Imiquimod. Your skin might change color where you apply the treatment. Other side effects include fatigue, body aches, blisters, or pain. Podophyllin (Podocon-25) and podofilox (Condylox). You might have sores, pain, or skin irritation. Never take these treatments by mouth. Don’t use it if you’re pregnant. Trichloroacetic acid. You might have sores, pain, or skin irritation. Sinecatechins. You might see a change in your skin color or have burning, itching, or pain. Surgery. Cryotherapy and electrocautery both can cause some pain and swelling. Common side effects are pain and swelling. Excision can cause pain. Laser surgery can cause pain and scarring.