Genital Warts Treatment Singapore | HIV PEP
Genital Warts Treatment in Singapore: Genital warts are skin growths present on the genitals and anus. They are caused by human papillomavirus infection, which is spread via sexual contact.
Treatment options available for genital warts
In most cases, the immune system eventually eliminates the virus and the warts go away without any treatment. However, many people choose treatment, due to an uncomfortable feeling during sexual contact and the unsightly appearance of the warts. Avoid using over-the-counter wart remover, because it can cause severe irritation and pain. Genital warts in Singapore can be conveniently and safely treated in a clinic.
You have several options to treat genital warts. Your doctor may advise different treatment depending on the location and size of genital warts. There are both risks and benefits to the treatment. In some people, genital warts may recur after several months; this is more common in smokers.
You may be treated in the doctor’s office, or you may need to apply the medicine at home, as prescribed. Some of the prescription medications that can be applied directly to your skin for treatment of genital warts are:
* Podophyllin and podfilox – A plant-based chemical that is able to destroy genital warts safely. When you’re using it for the first time, your doctor may want to apply the medication to check for skin reactions or allergies. You should apply the solution at home, as prescribed. Do not use the medication internally. Some of the common side effects are pain, mild skin irritation, and itching. This medicine is contraindicated in pregnant women.
* Imiquimod – A cream formulation to boost the immune system, helping it to combat the genital warts. Avoid having sex after applying imiquimod. The cream may cause genital irritation in your sexual partner. After application, imiquimod may cause fatigue, body ache or pain, cough, rashes, redness of the skin and blisters.
* Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) – A common laboratory chemical that is used to burn off genital warts. TCA should be applied only by a physician. TCA can cause sores and mild skin irritation in the application area.
To remove larger warts, some of the other available treatment options are cryotherapy (freezing the warts), surgery, electrocauterization, and laser therapy. These may be used if you are unresponsive to topical medications, or if you are pregnant.
- Laser surgery – A technique that involves shining an intense beam of light onto a wart to destroy it. The treatment is expensive and can cause pain and scarring.
- Electrocautery – A procedure that involves use of an electric current to burn off warts. You may experience pain and swelling at the treatment site.
- Cryotherapy – A freezing technique using liquid nitrogen. Freezing the wart results in the formation of a blister around the wart. Upon healing, the lesion sloughs off, and new skin develops. The treatment causes swelling and pain.
- Surgical excision – This technique uses sharp tools to remove the warts under the influence of local anesthesia. You may experience pain in the post-operative stage.
In post-treatment stage, maintaining good personal hygiene is important. Do not touch or scratch the treated area, avoid touching the warts, and wash your hands if you do touch the warts. Take ibuprofen or apply a cold compress if necessary to relieve the pain or discomfort.
After treatment, visit your doctor again to ensure all warts are cured. You should also have a Pap smear test every 3-6 months, because you may have acquired cancer-causing HPV along with wart-causing HPV.