Can genital warts heal on their own?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease, generally transmitted through sexual contact. However, there is also a chance of infection for some people who stay in hotels, use public toilets, or bathe in public baths. This disease is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and generally does not heal on its own if left untreated. Without treatment, the condition worsens, and the number of warts increases, which can be transmitted to others through sexual contact. The most common treatment involves using laser to remove the warts, followed by antiviral medication and drugs to boost the immune system. Regular exercise, strengthening the immune system, avoiding spicy and stimulating food, and not drinking alcohol can all help in the treatment of this condition through appropriate medical procedures.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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How to determine if you have genital warts

Genital warts usually grow on the skin mucous membranes, primarily around the external genitalia or anal area, presenting as wart-like lesions. Normally, the external genitalia and anal canal should feel smooth, without any foreign bodies. As soon as any growth appears, it's important to note that genital warts often resemble cauliflower, papillae, or cock's comb shapes, by which time the growth has already reached a larger stage. If wart-like protrusions appear initially, one should seek medical advice at a hospital. If uncertain about whether the condition is genital warts and there is a history of high-risk sexual behaviors, it's advisable to consult a specialist dermatologist or venereologist. Experienced doctors can make a preliminary assessment using the acetic acid test.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How to treat AIDS combined with genital warts?

AIDS combined with genital warts requires anti-HPV treatments on top of HIV treatment. When necessary, comprehensive treatments such as laser and cryotherapy are also needed. This should be managed under the care of experienced infectious disease specialists and dermatologists. AIDS treatment requires long-term, standard anti-HIV treatment, primarily adopting cocktail therapy. It is essential to take the medication on time without discontinuation, as irregular or arbitrary cessation can easily lead to drug resistance.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How long does it take to rule out something sharp?

Whether the warts from genital warts increase in number or size is greatly related to the patient's own immune strength. If the immunity is relatively weak and insufficient to resist or suppress virus replication, the warts tend to grow. Conversely, if the patient's immunity is relatively strong, the warts generally do not tend to increase in size and may even disappear or diminish. Therefore, even if the warts do not appear to be growing, one cannot completely rule out genital warts no matter how much time has passed.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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Flat warts and genital warts are caused by the same virus?

Flat warts and condyloma acuminata both belong to the human papillomavirus (HPV), causing benign proliferations on the skin and mucous membranes. Clinically, common types include common warts, flat warts, plantar warts, and condyloma acuminata, among others. However, the specific subtypes of infections they cause vary. Flat warts are often caused by HPV type 3, typically seen in children and adolescents, and commonly occur on the face, backs of hands, and forearms. The typical lesions are flat, raised papules the size of rice grains or soybeans, round or oval in shape. Among all clinical HPV infections, flat warts have the highest rate of spontaneous resolution, although a minority of patients may experience recurrent episodes. Condyloma acuminata, on the other hand, is classified as a type of sexually transmitted disease. The specific HPV types involved include HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, among others. HPV infects the epithelial tissue and is prevalent among sexually active adolescents, with a latency period generally ranging from 1 to 8 months, averaging 3 months.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can medication cure warts?

Genital warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are commonly treated with comprehensive methods. Medication alone may cure the condition, but not all patients can be cured solely through medication. For genital warts, the recommended treatment includes topical and oral medications. Topical treatments may include imiquimod cream, podophyllin resin, or 5-fluorouracil cream, while oral medications may consist of antiviral drugs, or those that adjust and enhance the patient's immune system. Besides pharmacotherapy, physical and photodynamic therapies are also preferred methods, offering better treatment options for curing genital warts. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)