How many sexual partners do you have? The more partners, the more likely you can acquire the virus. Do you use condoms? This barrier helps reduce sexually transmitted diseases, including HPV. How old are you? Genital warts have a prevalence with adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. Do you have a severe infection or cancer, or are you taking drugs that damage your immune system? Infections such as HIV/AIDS reduce the body’s ability to fight infections. Blood cancers such as leukemia alter our immune cells and cause them to be dysfunctional. Drugs such as steroids reduce our immune system over time. Did you notice any skin damage to your genitals? Breaks in your skins such as cuts give the virus an opportunity to enter your body. Do you have an uncircumcised penis? Men who have not had their foreskin of the penis removed are more likely to acquire HPV and pass it along to their partners.
HPV warts are flesh-colored lesions. Redder, fluid-filled blisters are more likely genital herpes. HPV warts are not fluid-filled and do not burst open. Genital herpes blisters are painful and can open—forming a sore—and spill fluid before healing. An ulcer (open skin lesion) on your penis can also signify the first stage of syphilis. Lesions caused by syphilis are usually painless; Though not always painless, pain and itchiness is more associated with herpes and genital warts. Other symptoms—including a red rash on the palms and soles, white patches in the mouth and genitals, fever, hair loss, and sore throat—in addition to genital warts may be secondary stage syphilis. Multiple small bumps circumferentially around the base of tip of the penis that are either flesh colored, red, yellow, pink, or translucent could be a condition known as pearly penile papules and are completely harmless. This is considered a normal variant of penile skin and is not contagious. HPV warts are not dimpled. A dimple on the top of the wart can indicate a viral infection known as mulluscum contagiosum. Mulluscum can be a sign of HIV infection as well.
Increase in size Increase in number Developing more in new places on your body Developing more specific symptoms such as itchiness, pain, bleeding from the wart, hair loss, fever, white patches on mouth or genital area, sore throat, and an ulcer on the penis. As previously mentioned syphilis can cause warts and early detection and treatment with antibiotics is warranted. Syphilis can eventually lead to neurological problems over time if left untreated. Age & cancer — HPV is responsible for approximately 63% of penile cancer in the USA. The median age of diagnosis is 68 years old but can be as early as in your 30s. If you observe other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, blood from your penis, lumps on your penis, velvety rash, hardened penile skin, and smelly discharge, then a visit to the doctor is urgent. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
Treatments are based on many factors, including size and number of the warts, the area affected, previous treatments administered, and whether the outbreak is recurrent or not. Remember also that there is no cure for the virus only the wart itself.
Imiquimod — Your doctor will apply a 5% imiquimod cream to the area using protective gloves and a pad. They will prescribe a prescription for the cream afterward. At home, apply the cream before bed using disposable gloves or disposable pads. After waking up in the morning (six to 10 hours after applying treatment), wash the area with soap and water to remove it. Apply three times per week for the next sixteen weeks. Interferon alpha — At the base of each wart, your doctor will inject 3 million international units (IU) of interferon. You will repeat this process with the doctor three times per week for the next three weeks. For bigger warts multiple injection may be done. The warts should disappear after four to eight weeks. If the warts remain after 12 – 16 weeks, your doctor may suggest a second treatment course.
Podofilox — This is the preferred treatment for lesions less than 10 cm². To ensure correct usage (0. 5 ml or 0. 5g), your doctor will show you how much and how to apply the medication. Apply to the area using a cotton swab if liquid or finger if gel. Repeat for three consecutive days twice a day followed by four days of no treatment. Repeat this process for up to four weeks. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and bichloracetic acid (BCA) are both physician-applied treatments. Your doctor will apply the acid to the warts on a cotton ball. Your doctor may advise weekly treatment for up to four to six weeks. This is one of the most common treatments. Podophyllin — This is a physician-applied medication for warts less than 10 cm². Your physician will apply to the affected area sparingly. Your doctor will advise you to air dry the affected area to prevent it coming in contact with your clothes. Initial treatment should be left on for 30 – 40 min. Subsequent treatments can be from one to four hours, after which remove with soap and water. This treatment can be applied weekly for up to six weeks. This drug must not be used in pregnancy or possible pregnancy. Limit exposure to a female partner. 5-Fluorouracil — Your physician may apply the first dose or provide a prescription. Using a cotton swab apply it to the clean, affected area one to three times per week. Use sparingly. Let the cream air dry to prevent contamination of your clothes. After three to 10 hours (specified with your prescriptions), wash the area with soap and water to remove it. Sinecatechins — Your doctor may prescribe this green tea extract. Use your finger to apply a small layer of 15% ointment to the affected area sparingly. Repeat three times daily with your finger for up to sixteen weeks or till warts have disappeared. Do not wash off and avoid sexual contact.
The concept of these treatment options is to correct for any nutritional deficiencies, which in turn will help your immune system fight off the warts. In addition, many of these treatments contain antioxidants that can fight infections.
Within 24 hours, a small fluid filled sac (bulla) forms over the treated area. An additional course of treatment can be applied in one to two weeks as necessary. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source After two to four treatments within six to 12 weeks, 75-80% of patients experience a complete clearing of warts. [10] X Research source Store kits are available for this procedure, but healthcare professionals recommend having a doctor administer it.
Electrosurgery has been found effective for a small number of lesions on the shaft of the penis. [12] X Research source
Removing warts may leave scars or the wart may even come back.
Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication for after the procedure since most patients report significant discomfort after the surgery. [15] X Research source It is extremely important not to move while the laser is targeted on your skin as this may lead to damage to normal tissue.
