Post-Operative Concerns for Genital Warts: Questions and Insights

Q: Post-Operative Concerns for Genital Warts: Questions and Insights

Hello： <br>1. <br>Will using Uconin cause more lesions? I applied the medication for two weeks before the laser treatment, and after one week of application, the lesions increased. <br>After two weeks, the skin that had no lesions became red and bled. <br>The doctor then advised

Postoperative care for cauliflower (condylomata acuminata)

Hello, doctor.
I had laser treatment to remove lesions on May 25th.
A week later, during my follow-up appointment, the doctor found a very small new lesion.
I was prescribed three packets of Urokinase to apply for five days.
After that, I noticed what seemed to be a small row of lesions at the edge of the wound.
I would like to ask the doctor the following questions:
1.
Could applying Urokinase cause the lesions to increase? Before the laser treatment, I had applied medication for two weeks, and after one week of application, the lesions increased.
After two weeks of application, the previously unaffected skin turned red and bled.
The doctor then advised me to stop the medication.
Is this reaction after applying the medication normal?
2.
Is it abnormal for new lesions to appear a week after the wound has not completely healed? I tested negative for HIV at four weeks with an antigen-antibody test.
Could the presence of the foreskin lead to reinfection? I had been experiencing irregular sleep patterns for an extended period; could this have an impact?
3.
Should I have laser treatment immediately upon the appearance of new lesions to prevent infection in the surrounding skin?
4.
Is it possible to achieve complete healing without recurrence and without being contagious, or will I have to live as a carrier for life, waiting for the virus to reappear someday?
Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to read my questions.
I apologize for the number of inquiries.

Peter, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/06

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello:
1.
Will using Uconin cause more lesions? I applied the medication for two weeks before the laser treatment, and after one week of application, the lesions increased.
After two weeks, the skin that had no lesions became red and bled.
The doctor then advised me to stop the medication.
Is it normal to have these reactions after applying the medication? --> Redness after application is common, but applying the medication does not cause more lesions.
2.
Is it abnormal for new lesions to appear before the wound has completely healed after one week? I tested negative for HIV at four weeks with an antigen-antibody test.
Could the presence of the foreskin lead to reinfection? I had an irregular schedule for a long time; could that have an impact? --> Immunity can affect infection, but HIV is not related to this.
The appearance of new lesions could be due to scarring or new warts.
3.
Should I immediately treat any new lesions with laser to prevent infection in the surrounding skin? --> Yes, but most likely there was already an infection present before.
4.
Can it be completely cured? Will there be no recurrence or transmission, or will I only be a carrier for life, waiting for the virus to reappear someday? (Both possibilities exist; it's hard to predict.
However, if no new lesions appear for over a year, it is possible that the body's immune system may overcome it, and you may not necessarily be a carrier.)
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/06/06

More Info

Post-operative concerns regarding genital warts can be quite complex, especially after laser treatment. It’s understandable to have many questions about the healing process and the potential for recurrence. Let’s address your concerns one by one.

1. Use of Medication and Worsening of Warts: You mentioned that after applying the medication (likely a topical antiviral or immune-modulating agent), you observed an increase in the number of lesions. It’s important to note that while some topical treatments can cause irritation or a reaction that may mimic wart growth, they are not typically responsible for causing new warts to appear. Instead, the increase in lesions could be due to the natural course of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can lead to the emergence of new warts, especially if the immune system is not effectively controlling the virus. The redness and bleeding you experienced after using the medication could indicate irritation or an allergic reaction, which is not uncommon. It’s crucial to discuss these reactions with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

2. Recurrence of Warts Before Complete Healing: The appearance of new warts before the initial surgical site has fully healed can be concerning. While it is not unusual for HPV to reactivate or for new lesions to form during the healing process, it is essential to monitor these developments closely. The presence of a foreskin can indeed create a moist environment that may facilitate the persistence or recurrence of HPV, but it is not the sole factor. Maintaining good hygiene and following up with your healthcare provider for regular check-ups is vital.

3. Immediate Laser Treatment for New Lesions: If new lesions appear, it is generally advisable to consult your healthcare provider promptly. They may recommend laser treatment or other interventions to remove these new growths to prevent further irritation or infection of the surrounding skin. Early intervention can help minimize the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of complications.

4. Cure and Recurrence of Genital Warts: Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for HPV; once infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body. However, many individuals can clear the virus naturally over time, and with appropriate treatment, the visible warts can be managed effectively. While some people may experience recurrent outbreaks, others may not have any further issues after treatment. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, and support your immune system, as these factors can influence the body’s ability to control the virus.

In conclusion, while genital warts can be a persistent issue, effective management and treatment can significantly reduce their impact. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring your condition and addressing any new developments promptly. If you have concerns about your treatment plan or the appearance of new lesions, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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