Managing Recurring Warts: Treatment Options and Concerns for Women's Health

Cauliflower vs. LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) / Cryotherapy / Electrocautery Treatment / Cervical Vaccine / Pap Smear

Hello, regarding the issue of recurrent warts (very stubborn), I feel very itchy after applying Aldara at night, and the next day it feels prickly.
What could be the reason for this? (It didn't happen before.) Additionally, the combination of Aldara and cryotherapy has not been effective.
If I switch to electrosurgery, will there be wounds? Given my body condition (keloids), is electrosurgery unsuitable for me? Or do you have other suggestions? Should I wait until the treatment is complete before doing a Pap smear? Would the cervical cancer vaccine be beneficial for me? Do warts affect uterine function? (This time my menstrual cycle only lasted 3 days) (After it ended, I experienced unexplained breast pain) or could it be due to medication?

Shan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/08/31

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
It is reasonable to have localized sensations when using Ledaeme.

2.
Treatments for warts include cryotherapy, electrosurgery, or topical ointments.

3.
If you have warts on the vulva, a Pap smear can be performed at any time.

4.
Vaccines cannot treat existing conditions; they can only enhance future preventive capabilities.

5.
Generally, warts do not affect uterine function; it is advisable to seek medical examination at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hsinchu Hospital.

Reply Date: 2007/08/31

More Info

Managing recurring warts, particularly in the context of women's health, can be a multifaceted challenge. Warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can be stubborn and may recur even after treatment. The symptoms you're experiencing, such as itching and a prickly sensation after applying topical treatments like "樂得美" (likely referring to a topical wart treatment), can be attributed to skin irritation or an inflammatory response to the medication. It's not uncommon for treatments to cause discomfort, especially if the skin is sensitive or if there's an underlying condition such as keloid formation (蟹足腫).

When it comes to treatment options, there are several methods available for managing warts:
1. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can be effective, but they may take time and require consistent application. If you're experiencing irritation, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider whether to continue or switch to a different formulation.

2. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. While you mentioned that this method has not been effective for you, it is usually a first-line treatment. However, if you have a history of keloid formation, cryotherapy may not be the best option as it can lead to scarring.

3. Electrosurgery (Electrodesiccation): This method uses electrical currents to destroy wart tissue. While it can be effective, it does create a wound that requires healing. Given your history of keloids, this method may also pose a risk of excessive scarring. It's crucial to discuss your concerns with your dermatologist to evaluate the risks versus benefits.

4. Laser Treatment: This is another option that can be effective for stubborn warts. It uses focused light to destroy the wart tissue. However, like electrosurgery, it can lead to scarring, so it should be approached with caution.

5. Immunotherapy: This involves stimulating the immune system to fight the virus. Treatments can include topical immunotherapy agents or intralesional injections. This method may be beneficial, especially for recurrent warts.

Regarding your question about the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV vaccine), it is indeed beneficial. The vaccine protects against the strains of HPV that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer and genital warts. While it won't treat existing warts, it can help prevent future infections and complications related to HPV.

As for your menstrual cycle changes and breast pain, these symptoms may or may not be related to your wart treatments. Hormonal fluctuations can cause breast tenderness and changes in menstrual patterns. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, managing recurring warts requires a tailored approach, considering your medical history and any potential risks associated with treatments. It's essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to explore the best options for your specific situation. Additionally, the HPV vaccine can provide long-term benefits for women's health by reducing the risk of HPV-related diseases.

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