What Are Genital
Warts?
Genital
warts are caused by some strains of HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
Genital warts appear as small growths around the genital or
anal area. They can sometimes itch or burn, or cause embarrassment and anxiety
due to their appearance.
How Do You Catch
Genital Warts?
Genital warts can be transmitted through skin-to-skin
contact, oral sex (though rare), or sharing sex toys.
How to Treat Genital
Warts
Treatment depends on the type of warts. Some warts are soft
and fleshy and others are hard to the touch.
·
Aldara is
suitable for both types occurring in the genital and visible
anal area.
·
Warticon is
for soft warts on the genitals only.
To purchase this product you must complete
the consultation to make sure it is safe and suitable for you.
Aldara Cream
Aldara Cream contains imiquimod, which helps stimulate the
immune system to target HPV-infected cells.
It is usually applied several times each week over a number
of weeks and may be suitable for people with multiple warts or recurring
infections.
Warticon
Warticon contains podophyllotoxin, which works by directly
targeting the wart tissue and stops
infected cells from dividing.
This causes the wart to break down over time, helping to
clear visible genital warts caused by certain types of HPV.
Physical Genital Warts Treatments
Cryotherapy or surgery are also used for genital wart
removal, when prescribed by a doctor. Cryotherapy freezes the warts and surgery
cuts them out.
These procedures can be painful so your doctor may initially
prescribe a topical treatment.
Does Warticon or Aldara Produce Results Faster?
Aldara and Warticon work differently. Aldara stimulates the
immune system to respond to HPV-infected cells, while Warticon directly
destroys wart tissue.
Warticon
may produce visible results more quickly, whereas Aldara focuses on
supporting the body's long-term immune response.
How Long Do Genital
Warts Take to Go Away?
Genital
warts can sometimes go away on their own within 6 months. They may also
grow in size or number, or stay the same.
Because untreated outcomes can vary, and there may be
discomfort within the 6 months, treatment may be prescribed depending on
symptoms and medical necessity.
How to Discreetly Order Genital Warts Treatment Online
1. Select your treatment
Patients begin by choosing the treatment they need from the
available options. We are a regulated
UK pharmacy, offering topical Aldara and Warticon creams.
2. Complete an online consultation
Our online consultation collects important medical
information, including symptoms, medical history, and current medications. This
allows one of our
clinicians to assess whether treatment is appropriate and safe to
prescribe.
3. Clinical review and approval
All consultations are reviewed by a qualified prescriber
before any medication is supplied in line with UK clinical standards and
guidance.
4. Discreet delivery to your door
Once approved, treatment is dispensed and delivered directly
to your address. Packaging is designed to be discreet to protect patient
privacy throughout the delivery process.
Symptoms of Genital Warts
What Do Genital Warts Look Like?
Genital
warts can look flesh-coloured, pink or slightly darker than the surrounding
skin. They may be flat, raised or appear in small clusters resembling a
cauliflower-like surface.
Other Symptoms in Men
Genital warts in men may appear on the penis, foreskin,
scrotum, groin or around the anus. Warts may occur individually or in clusters.
Symptoms in Women
Genital warts in women may develop on the vulva, inside the
vagina, on the cervix or around the anus. Some warts may not be visible without
examination.
Conditions That Can Be Mistaken for Genital Warts
Several conditions can resemble genital warts, including
skin tags, pearly penile papules, molluscum
contagiosum and other benign skin growths.
If you have any questions not covered by our online
consultation form, you can reach us on 0161 491 1899
or team@webmedpharmacy.co.uk.
HPV and Genital Warts
HPV Vaccination and Genital Warts
The HPV vaccine helps protect against the HPV strains most
commonly associated with genital warts and certain HPV-related cancers.
Vaccination can reduce the risk of future infection but does not eliminate
existing HPV infection.
Does the HPV Vaccine Treat Existing Warts?
No. The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent infection and
does not remove existing genital warts. Separate treatment is required to treat
active warts.
How Long Does Treatment Take to Work?
Visible improvement may occur within a few weeks, although
complete clearance often takes longer and varies between individuals.
Treatment duration depends on the size, number and location
of the warts, as well as the treatment used.
Support During Treatment
Signs That Treatment Is Working
Warts may become smaller, flatter or less noticeable during
treatment. Visible improvement can take several weeks.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Follow the guidance provided with your medication. Do not
apply extra treatment to make up for a missed dose unless advised by a
healthcare professional.
When Should I Stop Treatment?
Stop treatment when advised by your healthcare professional
or once the recommended treatment course has been completed.
When Should I Contact a Healthcare Professional?
Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen, severe skin
reactions occur or there is uncertainty about the diagnosis.
Recovery After Genital Warts Treatment
What Does Healing Look Like?
As treatment progresses, wart tissue may shrink, flatten or
disappear. Mild redness and irritation can occur during the healing process.
Can Genital Warts Leave Scars?
When used correctly, topical treatments do not usually cause
scarring. However, severe inflammation or certain physical procedures may
occasionally leave marks.
How Long Until Skin Returns to Normal?
The skin generally continues to improve after treatment
ends, although healing times vary between individuals.
Side Effects and Safety
Common Side Effects of Treatment
Common side effects of Aldara and Warticon include
redness, soreness, itching, burning sensations and irritation at the
application site.
How Long Do Side Effects Last?
Most side effects improve after treatment ends or after the
skin has had time to recover between treatment cycles.
What to Do If You Experience Side Effects
Speak to a healthcare professional if side effects become
severe, persistent or difficult to tolerate.
Preventing Genital Warts from Returning
Regular monitoring of symptoms, prompt treatment of new
warts and attending follow-up appointments where recommended may help reduce
recurrence.
Can I Have Sex if I Have Genital Warts?
Should I Tell My Partner?
You should inform current sexual partners so they can make
informed decisions about their sexual health.
Can I Pass Genital Warts to a Partner?
HPV can still be transmitted through intimate skin contact,
even when visible warts are not present.
Should My Partner Be Tested?
Partners who have symptoms or concerns about HPV exposure
should consider seeking medical advice.
Living With Genital Warts
Can HPV Stay in the Body After Treatment?
Although treatment removes visible warts, HPV may remain in
the skin for some time after treatment. Your immune system may eventually
clear the virus but this may not completely occur for immunocompromised
individuals.
Can I Get Genital Warts Again?
Yes. New infections or reactivation of existing HPV
infection can lead to further outbreaks.
How to Reduce the Risk of Recurrence
Following treatment instructions, maintaining good overall
health and avoiding smoking may help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.