Managing Genital Warts: Treatment Options and Aftercare

Cauliflower treatment

Hello, doctor.
In mid-May, I discovered a wart in the anal area, which was confirmed to be a genital wart.
I have already undergone electrosurgery at Cheng Kung University Hospital's dermatology department and have been using a wart removal topical ointment as directed for follow-up treatment.
However, after applying the ointment for a week, it seems that another wart has appeared on the skin surface from the anal area down to the scrotum.

1.
Should I seek immediate medical attention for electrosurgery again, or can the ointment handle this?
2.
If I undergo electrosurgery again, should I continue applying the ointment, or should I wait until the electrosurgery site has healed before applying it? Will this affect the treatment schedule for the ointment?
3.
Since I apply the ointment with my fingers, is there a possibility that this could cause more warts to develop around the anal area? Thank you.

Xiao An, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/26

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Statistically speaking, the combination of both treatments yields the best results, but how to combine them should be determined according to your physician's instructions.

Reply Date: 2020/05/26

More Info

Managing genital warts, particularly those caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), requires a comprehensive approach that includes treatment options, aftercare, and preventive measures. Given your situation, where you have already undergone electrosurgery for the warts and are using a topical treatment, it's important to address your concerns systematically.

1. Immediate Treatment Needs: If you notice a new growth in the area where you previously had warts, it is advisable to consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider promptly. While topical treatments like the wart removal cream can be effective, they may not be sufficient for larger or more persistent warts. Electrosurgery is often more effective for removing warts that do not respond to topical treatments. Your healthcare provider can assess the new growth and determine whether another round of electrosurgery is necessary or if the topical treatment can be continued.

2. Post-Electrosurgery Care: After undergoing electrosurgery, it is crucial to allow the treated area to heal properly. You should typically wait until the wound has healed before applying any topical treatments again. Applying medication to an open wound can lead to irritation or infection. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on when to resume the use of the wart cream, which is usually after the area has healed sufficiently. This may affect the timing of your treatment cycle, but it is essential for proper healing.

3. Application Technique: Using your fingers to apply the wart cream can potentially lead to the spread of the virus to other areas of your skin. It is recommended to use a cotton swab or a similar applicator to apply the cream to minimize the risk of transferring the virus. After applying the cream, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent any accidental spread. If you notice new warts appearing, it may be due to the virus being spread during application or from other sources, such as sexual contact.

Additional Considerations:
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for monitoring the condition. They can assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make adjustments as necessary.

- Preventive Measures: To reduce the risk of future outbreaks, consider discussing the HPV vaccine with your healthcare provider. The vaccine can protect against the types of HPV that most commonly cause genital warts and certain cancers.

- Safe Practices: Engaging in safe sexual practices, such as using condoms, can help reduce the risk of transmitting HPV to partners and potentially reinfecting yourself.

- Managing Symptoms: If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relief medications can help. However, consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications, especially if you have allergies or other health conditions.

- Emotional Support: Dealing with genital warts can be stressful and may affect your emotional well-being. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if you find it challenging to cope with the diagnosis.

In summary, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider regarding your treatment plan and any new developments. Promptly addressing new growths, following post-treatment care instructions, and practicing safe application techniques can significantly improve your management of genital warts.

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