Do I Need Medication After a Year of No Recurrence of Warts?

Q: Do I Need Medication After a Year of No Recurrence of Warts?

Hello： There are no medications to take, and the absence of symptoms does not guarantee 100% safety. <br>It's important to use condoms during sexual activity, as genital warts may sometimes be latent and still infectious. <br>Wishing you good health.

Probability of cauliflower infection

Hello, doctor.
About two years ago, I had warts and only saw a doctor once.
I received topical medication, and later the lesion, which grew to about 2 centimeters, fell off on its own.
It has been about a year since it fell off, and there has been no recurrence.
Do I need to visit a clinic to get medication?

Danxin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/29

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: There are no medications to take, and the absence of symptoms does not guarantee 100% safety.
It's important to use condoms during sexual activity, as genital warts may sometimes be latent and still infectious.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/07/29

More Info

When it comes to managing warts, particularly those caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), it's essential to understand the nature of the virus and the body's immune response. Warts, including genital warts (often referred to as "cauliflower warts" due to their appearance), can sometimes resolve on their own, as you've experienced. The fact that your wart fell off and you have not had a recurrence for over a year is a positive sign.

1. Do You Need Medication?
Given that you have not experienced any recurrence of warts for over a year, it is generally not necessary to seek further treatment or medication. The immune system can often clear HPV from the body over time, and many individuals may not experience any further outbreaks after the initial episode. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant, as HPV can remain dormant in the body and may reactivate or cause new warts to develop in the future.

2. Monitoring for Recurrence:
While you may not need medication at this time, it is advisable to monitor your skin for any new growths or changes. If you notice any new warts or changes in existing skin lesions, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. Regular self-examinations can help you catch any potential recurrences early.

3. Preventive Measures:
Even though you are currently free of warts, it is essential to practice safe behaviors to reduce the risk of HPV transmission. This includes using condoms during sexual activity, as they can lower the risk of spreading HPV, although they do not provide complete protection since HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom.

4. Vaccination:
If you have not already been vaccinated against HPV, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider. The HPV vaccine can protect against the most common types of the virus that cause warts and certain cancers. Vaccination is most effective when given before the onset of sexual activity but can still be beneficial for individuals who have already been exposed to some strains of the virus.

5. When to Seek Help:
If you experience any symptoms such as itching, pain, or unusual discharge, or if you develop new warts, it is essential to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can offer guidance on treatment options, which may include topical treatments, cryotherapy, or other methods to remove warts.

In summary, since you have not had any recurrence of warts for over a year, you likely do not need to seek medication at this time. However, remain vigilant and monitor your skin for any changes. If you have concerns or notice any new symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Do I Still Need Treatment for a Stable Genital Wart After a Year?

Hello Doctor, this is my first time asking a question online. On May 21, 2016 (when I was 18 years old), I was diagnosed with a wart at the junction of the vaginal opening and the anus. After treatment with Podophyllin (which recurred three times, and I was treated three times), ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On May 21, 2016 (at the age of 18), a wart was diagnosed at the junction of the vaginal opening and the anus. After treatment with Condylox (three applications due to recurrence three times), there has been no recurrence to date. On December 15, 2016, another wart was found above...

Can Genital Warts Heal Without Medication? Key Questions Answered

Three months ago, I was infected with genital warts and visited a private clinic. The doctor prescribed medication, stating that I would be fine after a week, and I took the medication for a week. A month later, I went to a large hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said the w...

Dr. Chen Zhihong reply Urology
1. Warts cannot heal on their own; they require the application of special antiviral ointments or electrosurgery for treatment. If they fall off on their own, they are likely not warts. 2. The incubation period for syphilis can last up to 2 months, while for HIV it can be up to 6...

Do You Need Blood Tests for HPV After 3 Years of No Symptoms?

Dear Doctor: I had genital warts in the past, but it has been over three years since treatment and I have not had a recurrence. Is there a need for blood tests to check for the virus again?

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
No need.

Do You Need Antiviral Medications After Laser Treatment for Warts?

Hello, doctor! I just had laser treatment to remove anal warts. The clinic physician mentioned that after the wound heals, I could use LedaMed or antiviral medications to prevent recurrence, but both options are quite expensive. My question is, since the lesions were removed with...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Research statistics indicate that combining two treatments results in a lower recurrence rate compared to a single treatment. Therefore, it is still recommended to apply both.