SERVICEGenital Wart Treatment

What are the Treatment Options for Genital Warts?

Generally, genital warts don’t cause symptoms, but they might be painful, itchy, and unsightly. 

Diagnosis

Genital warts are often diagnosed by appearance. Sometimes a biopsy might be necessary.

Treatment

If your warts aren’t causing discomfort, you might not need treatment. But if you have itching, burning and pain, or if you’re concerned about spreading the infection, medication or surgery can help you clear an outbreak.

However, warts often return after treatment. There is no treatment for the virus itself.

Medications

Genital wart treatments that can be applied directly to your skin include:

• Imiquimod (Aldara). This cream appears to boost your immune system’s ability to fight genital warts. Avoid sexual contact while the cream is on your skin. It might weaken condoms and diaphragms and irritate your partner’s skin.
  One possible side effect is skin redness. Other side effects might include blisters, body aches or pain, a cough, rashes, and fatigue.
• Podophyllin and podofilox (Condylox). Podophyllin is a plant-based resin that destroys genital wart tissue. A health care professional applies this solution. Podofilox contains the same active compound, but you can apply it at home.
  Never apply podofilox internally. Additionally, this medication isn’t recommended for use during pregnancy. Side effects can include mild skin irritation, sores or pain.
• Trichloroacetic acid. This chemical treatment burns off genital warts, and can be used for internal warts. Side effects can include mild skin irritation, sores or pain.