Genital warts are small lesions found on the vagina, anus of the females or penis of the male. These are mainly caused by infections of the human pappiloma virus (HPV). They may appear in singles or in clusters. They are usually painless but may itch or cause discomfort when irritated.

There are a number of genital wart removal techniques you can try. The most important thing of course is to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the severity and condition of your warts, your doctor may prescribe any of the following treatments:

•    Small genital warts can be removed by cryosurgery (freezing the warts) – in this process, the warts are physically frozen off by an application of liquid nitrogen spray. It is applied for around 20-30 seconds. Local anesthesia is provided for people who have a large area covered by warts. It is a convenient process and does not need hospitalization. This is the most recommended course of action for people who have a moderate number of these warts.

•    The doctor might also surgically cut off the warts at his office. However, it is important for you to make sure he is an expert as a very good idea is needed to understand the depth of the required surgery.

•    Electrocautery (burning them) – this is done with the help of an electrical current.

•    Trichloracetic acid (TCA) – this is done by directly applying the chemical on to the warts.

All the above procedures can be conducted at a doctor’s office itself. However, if your warts are particularly large, the doctor may need to resort to laser surgery in order to remove them. You will also need to see a specialist who will conduct this surgery.

As in other treatments, a number of side effects may occur when you remove genital warts. You may face irritation, erosion of the epithelial layer, ulceration and loss of pigmentation in the area. There may also be an occasional scarring in the area. The patient needs to be advised about his or her condition and the treatment options available before going ahead. Generally, chemical treatments are best for soft and moist warts that are not keratinized.

Apart from the treatments mentioned above, the doctor may also prescribe certain things you may try at home. He may prescribe a medication like podofilox and imiquimod. These are genital warts creams you apply on the warts every day for a specified number of days.  Podofilox is a solution containing purified podophylin. Once you have applied it, you should wait for it to dry off before moving around. If you are applying it as a solution, use a cotton swab. The gel form may be applied with the finger. They are usually the most convenient form of treatment as they can be done at home.

However, you need to remember that you cannot use these medications when you are pregnant. They are absorbed by the skin and may cause severe birth defects in infants.

Other genital warts creams are also available. You may get them over the counter. However, these are not advisable as they may damage the skin around the wart and irritate them. They may become painful and dangerous when used in an unsupervised manner.

Your doctor may also inject an antiviral drug like interferon- alpha into the warts. This is usually done with warts that have reappeared after treatment.

It is important for you to remember that the treatments mentioned are used to remove genital warts; they do not address the question of HPV infection which causes them. For this reason, your warts can recur. It is estimated that the HPV infection can remain in the body for years and, as a result, cause repeated warts. It is ultimately cured when the body develops immunity to the virus.

Genital wart removal is best secured when you go for expert help. Even though you may find your warts clearing up in a few days without medical attention, most of the time it will recur. Also, without medical help, you will not be able to understand the underlying reason behind them. This may result in you unknowingly passing it on to others.