Genital Warts OTC Treatments For Genital Warts

Genital warts are a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease. They are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts usually appear as grey or flesh-colored tiny bumps that are cauliflower-like. They are small, about 2 millimeters in diameter, but they can grow in large clusters and spread out into huge masses in the genital and anal areas. Furthermore, they may manifest in the mouth and throat of individuals who have engaged in oral sex with an infected partner.

HPV can lie dormant in your system for as short as a few weeks to as long as several years without showing any symptoms. However, it does not mean that while the HPV is in the incubation phase, you cannot spread it or contract it. This makes it hard to determine whether or not you have the said virus in our system, especially if no symptoms manifest. The best way to find out is to visit your doctor regularly for a check-up. He will conduct tests in order to verify if you have HPV. If you do, he will recommend the appropriate treatment plan depending on your medical history and the nature of your genital warts.

Over-the-Counter Treatment

But instead of visiting a doctor, some people prefer to purchase over-the-counter treatments. Genital warts are a serious and sensitive health disorder that has both physical and emotional effects on the sufferers. Since some over-the-counter treatments have been proven safe and effective in getting rid of genital warts, those sufferers can be spared from the expense, pain, and embarrassment that a visit to the doctor can bring about. If you do decide to buy over-the-counter treatments, make sure that you know how to use them. When used in the wrong way, they may have side effects and may damage your other healthy tissues. Also, make sure that they are compatible with the other treatments that you are using, if any. Some over-the-counter treatments may be dangerous if used alongside incompatible medications.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a popular component of many over-the-counter genital wart. The skin should be moistened with warm water in order to enhance the treatments’ effects. Remove loose tissue, if any, and dry the affected area thoroughly. Then, apply the treatment directly on the warts. Those who have used salicylic acid solutions claim that their condition improved within a week or two. Note, however, that people with weak immune systems should refrain from using these products. Salicylic acid genital warts treatments are not recommended for use on warts with hair and on irritated areas. Pregnant women should also avoid them since they may have side effects on the fetus.

Natural Topical Gels

Aside from salicylic acid-based treatments, there are also natural topical gels that boost the skin's immune system to help it combat HPV. Examples include tea tree oil and grape seed extract. These products work not by destroying the tissue, but by helping your body overcome HPV on its own. About 50 percent of those who have tried these gels claim that they got positive results within a few weeks.

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts Related topics including of Genital Warts Symtoms and more.

Article Directory: http://www.ArticleSlash.net

Genital Warts 7 Established Facts About Genital Warts

Here are seven established facts about genital warts (G.W.).

1. Genital warts are highly contagious

G.W. spread easily from one person to another through sexual intercourse. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for this virus, is able to penetrate one's skin and mucosal surfaces through the tiny abrasions in the genital area that develop during sexual intercourse.

2. Genital warts are incurable

Once you catch HPV, you can never eliminate it from your body. You can treat it and remove this virus, but it remains dormant in your system. Thus, G.W. can show up again.

3. Genital warts may resurface

HPV can lie dormant in your body. It can resurface when triggered by risk factors like smoking, stress, excessive consumption of alcohol, immune system deficiencies, and lifestyle changes, among others. In fact, a lot of people are not aware that they have HPV in their system. Many men do have genital warts on their penis and remain unaware of their presence since they may be very tiny and hidden. A lot of women also have this virus but remain oblivious because they occur internally in many cases. Only 10 percent of G.W. are noticeable.

4. Genital warts can be treated and get rid of

There are different therapy options for this virus depending on their size and location. If you consult your doctor, he or she may advise you to apply a topical medication or undergo electrocautery (burning), cryosurgery (freezing), or laser treatment. Some people also attest to the efficacy of herbal preparation in getting rid of G.W..

5. Genital warts cannot spread from your genitals to other parts of your body and vice versa

There are at least 150 types of HPV. The strains that are responsible for G.W. occur only in the genital region. They spread through direct contact with the skin of an infected partner through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Infection may happen through contact with a visible G.W. or through subclinical infection, meaning contact with an area of the skin with no visible G.W. years to manifest.

6. You can do something to prevent further development of genital warts

Many studies have proven that having a healthy immune system helps a lot in preventing the outbreak of this virus. For those who have had G.W., physicians require specific supplements that boost the immune system like selenium, green tea extract, bioflavins, and grape seed extract.

7. Genital warts may cause cervical cancer

Approximately 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer are caused by types 16 and 18 of HPV. HPV causes the outer layer of normal cells of the cervical transformation zone (TZ) to be replaced by cancer cells. Such a change is only detected in the early stages through a Pap smear. In fact, 90 percent of deaths arising from cervical cancer could have been prevented through early detection. Hence, it is imperative that all women who are sexually active have regular Pap smears.

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts. Related topics including Causes Genital Warts, Diagnosis of Genital Warts and more.

Article Directory: http://www.ArticleSlash.net