and Managing Recurring Anal Warts: A Patient's Journey

Q: and Managing Recurring Anal Warts: A Patient's Journey

Hello Kevin： I believe that "prevention is better than cure." "Understanding leads to fearlessness." Below is an excerpt from the educational materials provided by the Taiwan Dermatological Association. <br>I hope it is helpful to you. <br>For more details, you can directly visit

The anal warts have not yet been treated?

Last month, I developed warts around my anus.
I underwent cryotherapy twice and applied medication once.
By December 1st, the doctor said it was all healed.
However, later I experienced skin inflammation and visited a general clinic, where the doctor informed me that my warts had not completely healed.
Therefore, on December 12th, I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for a check-up, and indeed, they were still not fully resolved, so I underwent cryotherapy again.
This time, the warts were located a bit further from the anus, so having a bowel movement after the cryotherapy was not as painful as before.
However, I am unsure how long the cryotherapy should continue (how many sessions?).
When I asked the doctor, he said we would need to wait until my follow-up appointment next week to assess the situation.
The doctor also advised me to continue using Wart Remover.
Initially, he suggested I could use Aldara, but I told him that every time I used Aldara, I experienced severe peeling the next day, so he recommended I continue with Wart Remover.
Previously, I had a larger number of warts, which took about a month to resolve, during which I also used Wart Remover.
Now there are only a few left.
Should I wait for a month or even longer for them to completely disappear? Additionally, if they do completely resolve, should I continue applying Wart Remover? The doctor at National Taiwan University only prescribed me tetracycline to prevent inflammation, but I am worried about a recurrence! So, I am here to ask how I can expedite the healing process and how to prevent a recurrence.
I have also heard that this condition is not curable; is that true? Does that mean I will have to keep visiting the hospital frequently? Thank you!

kevin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/12/13

Dr. Hong Zhengsheng reply Dermatology

Hello Kevin: I believe that "prevention is better than cure." "Understanding leads to fearlessness." Below is an excerpt from the educational materials provided by the Taiwan Dermatological Association.
I hope it is helpful to you.
For more details, you can directly visit the Taiwan Dermatological Association's website.
Warts (Verruca)
1.
What are warts?
Warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with a filterable virus.
They are transmitted through contact with the skin surface or mucous membranes, with an average incubation period of four months.
These filterable viruses belong to the "human papillomavirus" (HPV).
The clinical manifestations of warts depend on their location.
2.
What types of warts are there?
* Common warts: Known in Taiwanese Hokkien as "fish scale thorns," they are not caused by being pricked while cleaning fish scales.
They appear as rough, hard papules, either solitary or multiple, commonly found on fingers and the edges of nails.
* Plantar warts: Typically located on the soles of the feet, they have a smoother surface but are often deeper.
* Flat warts: These are small, flat papules that commonly occur on the face, often in multiple numbers and sometimes arranged in a linear pattern.
Some may disappear within a few weeks, while others can persist for several years.
* Genital warts: These grow on the genital area or around the anus and can enlarge to resemble cauliflower, hence the colloquial term "cauliflower." They are usually softer and less keratinized.
3.
Who gets warts?
Some individuals may develop warts due to small cuts on their skin, while others may not.
Similar to how some people are more prone to colds without a specific reason, there is no definitive cause for why some individuals are more susceptible.
However, individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to be infected by the wart virus.
4.
Why do warts occur?
Warts are likely transmitted from person to person, sometimes not through direct contact but via objects such as racquets, floors, towels, doorknobs, and computer mice.
After exposure to the virus, it often takes several months for warts to become visible.
Genital warts are relatively more contagious, so special precautions are necessary.
It is advisable to avoid touching the affected area with your hands, and towels should be used separately to prevent transmission to others.
Thank you for using "Taiwan e-Hospital" to ask your questions.
"Taiwan e-Hospital" cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2006/12/13

More Info

Understanding and managing recurring anal warts, also known as genital warts, can be a challenging journey for many patients. These warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted infection. While some individuals may clear the virus naturally, others may experience persistent or recurrent warts, necessitating ongoing treatment.

From your description, it seems that you have undergone multiple treatments, including cryotherapy (freezing) and topical medications like "化疣敵" (which I assume is a wart treatment cream). It's not uncommon for warts to require several treatment sessions before they are completely resolved. The effectiveness of cryotherapy can vary based on the size and location of the warts, as well as individual patient factors.
Typically, cryotherapy is performed every 1 to 2 weeks until the warts are gone. However, the exact number of treatments needed can vary widely from person to person. Your doctor will assess the progress during follow-up visits, which is crucial for determining the next steps in your treatment plan. If the warts are still present after a few treatments, your doctor may suggest alternative therapies or a combination of treatments to enhance effectiveness.

Regarding the use of topical treatments like "化疣敵," it's essential to follow your doctor's advice. If the warts appear to be diminishing, continuing the topical treatment may help prevent recurrence. However, if you experience significant irritation or side effects, such as severe peeling, it's important to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

As for the concern about recurrence, it is true that HPV can remain dormant in the body, and some individuals may experience recurrent warts even after successful treatment. While there is currently no definitive cure for HPV, many people find that their immune system can eventually suppress the virus, leading to fewer or no recurrences over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and avoiding irritants can support your immune system.

To prevent future outbreaks, consider the following strategies:
1. Regular Follow-ups: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor any changes and address any new warts promptly.

2. Safe Practices: Use protection during sexual activity to reduce the risk of transmitting HPV to partners and to lower the chance of reinfection.

3. Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can strengthen your immune system, potentially helping your body manage the virus more effectively.

4. Vaccination: If you haven't already, discuss the HPV vaccine with your healthcare provider. Vaccination can protect against the most common strains of HPV that cause genital warts and certain cancers.

5. Avoid Irritants: If certain topical treatments cause irritation, inform your doctor. They may recommend alternatives that are less likely to cause side effects.

In summary, while managing anal warts can be frustrating, consistent treatment and communication with your healthcare provider are key to finding an effective management strategy. Although it may feel daunting to think about potential recurrences, many individuals find that with time and appropriate care, the frequency and severity of outbreaks can decrease significantly. If you have further concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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