Managing Recurrence of Warts: Insights on Treatment Options

Q: Managing Recurrence of Warts: Insights on Treatment Options

Hello： 1) If it is similar to before, it may be a recurrence, but pay attention to whether there has been any unsafe sexual behavior and whether the sexual partner has sought medical treatment previously. <br>2) The warts are likely not a mutation; it is most probable that they w

Cauliflower, Fenofibrate, Traditional Chinese Medicine preparations?

Hello Doctor, I just completed an 8-week course of traditional Chinese medicine treatment last month, which involved a topical agent that disrupts skin tissue, applied once a week.
Overall, there didn't seem to be any lesions.
However, after more than a month, I noticed what seems to be a recurrence.
I started using the previously purchased topical medication, and after two days, I noticed a few skin-colored bumps.
Does this confirm a recurrence? Does the HPV virus mutate and develop drug resistance? I would like to request any recommendations on how to proceed with the next steps in treatment.

Xiao Wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/30

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) If it is similar to before, it may be a recurrence, but pay attention to whether there has been any unsafe sexual behavior and whether the sexual partner has sought medical treatment previously.
2) The warts are likely not a mutation; it is most probable that they were previously latent and have only recently emerged.
3) Treatment options include electrosurgery, cryotherapy, or topical medications, but I recall that there is a 20-30% chance of recurrence.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/05/30

More Info

Managing warts, particularly those caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can be a challenging endeavor, especially when recurrence occurs after treatment. Your experience with traditional Chinese medicine and the use of a destructive agent for wart treatment is a common approach, but it's important to understand that warts can be persistent and may require multiple treatment modalities for effective management.

Firstly, the appearance of new skin growths after treatment may indeed indicate a recurrence of warts. HPV is known for its ability to persist in the skin, and even after successful treatment, the virus can remain dormant and reactivate, leading to new lesions. The fact that you noticed new lesions after using a topical treatment like "分瑞淨" (presumably a topical agent) suggests that the initial treatment may not have fully eradicated the virus or that new exposure occurred.

Regarding your question about the mutation and drug resistance of the wart virus, HPV does have a capacity for genetic variation, but it is not typically characterized by the same kind of drug resistance seen in bacteria or some other viruses. However, the effectiveness of treatments can vary based on the strain of HPV and individual patient factors, including the immune response.

For managing recurrent warts, here are several treatment options you might consider:
1. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. It is a common and effective treatment for warts and can be repeated as necessary.

2. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can help peel away the wart over time. These treatments require consistent application and patience.

3. Immunotherapy: This approach aims to stimulate the immune system to fight off the virus. Treatments may include topical agents like imiquimod, which can enhance the immune response against HPV.

4. Laser Therapy: For stubborn warts, laser treatment can be effective in destroying wart tissue.

5. Surgical Removal: In cases where warts are extensive or resistant to other treatments, surgical excision may be necessary.

6. Combination Therapy: Sometimes, a combination of treatments may yield better results, especially for recurrent warts.

In addition to these treatments, it is crucial to maintain good skin hygiene and avoid picking at warts, as this can spread the virus to other areas of the skin. If you have a weakened immune system, it may also be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider about ways to boost your immune response.

Lastly, if you continue to experience recurrences or if the warts become painful or bothersome, it would be wise to consult a dermatologist or a healthcare provider specializing in skin conditions. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.

In summary, while warts can be persistent and may recur after treatment, there are multiple effective strategies available. With the right approach and possibly a combination of treatments, you can manage and reduce the recurrence of warts effectively.

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