Things You Need to Know About Coping with Warts
warts are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted disease. Technically they’re called condyloma acuminata, and they look like little cauliflower shaped growths in the area. They’re very contagious, and spread by direct physical contact, especially during outbreaks. Even without outbreaks, it is possible to both catch the virus and to spread it to other people. It can’t be cured, but it can be controlled.
- The “warts” are actually lesions. Besides being shaped like cauliflowers they might be red or pink in color, and they are very uncomfortable. You could experience burning, itching, bleeding, soreness and a discharge. Even when you’re not experiencing any symptoms, or you’re between outbreaks, you still have the disease.
- The most common treatments for warts are topical, which means you just apply them directly on to the warts themselves. Their purpose is to kill the wart tissue. Some names of common wart treatments are Podofin, Condylox and Podocon-25. They’re available by prescription only, although you may choose to take them home and apply them yourself rather than having it done in the doctor’s office. Let your doctor know first if you’re pregnant.
- You may also elect to have the warts removed by a doctor. They can cut them off, burn them off, freeze them off or remove them with lasers. Liquid nitrogen is often used to freeze them off, called cryotherapy. Many of these treatments are painful and some cause other side effects. For a time you’ll be free from the warts, but they may come back again, since you’ll still have the virus that causes them. You should talk with your doctor carefully about all your options, and the pros and cons of each one.
- If you do have warts, it’s very important to be responsible and avoid spreading them to someone else. You must tell any prospective sexual partner that you have them, even if you’re not currently experiencing an outbreak. Practice safe sex. You may want to abstain from sex altogether during an outbreak, and you should definitely abstain from oral sex because you can get them in your mouth. It’s possible to spread warts even through non-sexual contact such as sharing a towel with someone, so be very careful and conscious of what you do. Wash your hands any time you touch any lesions. Be proactive in this area to avoid spreading the virus around your own body as well as other people’s.
Contracting warts is very unpleasant, but there are things you can do to keep your disease under control. You need to be aware that although there are treatments there are no real cures, and you will always have to monitor your symptoms and behave in a responsible sexual fashion. The earlier you seek treatment the more effective it is likely to be, so if you suspect that you have warts you should see your doctor immediately about it.
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