Diseases

Genital warts - symptoms and treatment

Genital warts - symptoms and treatment / Diseases

Genital warts: these are the signs and therapy

Warts are not talked about, they are hidden as best they can, and most people are disgusted by the small skin ulcers. Lace condyloma (Condylomata acuminata) or simply genital warts, are often taboo and the feeling of shame keeps those affected from the doctor's visit, but in this case is very important. Genital warts are benign, are transmitted by HPV (human papillomavirus) and settle mainly in the genitalia.


contents

  • Genital warts: these are the signs and therapy
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • transmission
  • risk factors
  • Appearance, occurrence, symptoms
  • diagnosis
  • treatment
  • Vaccination
  • General Tips
  • Naturopathy
  • Summary

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The cause of genital warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV). This belongs to the family of papillomaviruses that are sexually transmitted. More than 150 different virus types fall under the generic term HPV. The individual viruses have specialized in certain areas of the body. Some are more likely to be found on normal areas of the skin, others on the mucous membranes.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the cause of the genital warts. (Image: Kateryna Kon / fotolia.com)

Another distinguishing feature is the risk. They are divided into low-risk types and high-risk types. The genital warts are assigned to the low-risk group. The human papillomaviruses are very common. For example, every tenth school child has skin warts transmitted by these viruses.

transmission

The transmission paths are different, depending on the virus type. The low-risk types HPV 6 and HPV 11 are responsible for the development of genital warts. These are usually transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Another possibility of infection is skin contact. But even during birth, the already infected mother can transfer warts to the child. Furthermore, a smear infection is possible, for example by using the same towel, while staying in the sauna or swimming pool or by touching surfaces (for example, doorknobs, shopping carts and so on).

If the viruses are transmitted to other people, so must not necessarily be warts. The viruses can first nest in cells of the skin or mucous membrane and stay there without causing discomfort. In these cases one speaks of a silent infection. The incubation period can be several weeks or even months. During this time, the viruses in the body can multiply without symptoms. Eventually, the disease will only break out when the immune system is not quite up to par. Then the genital warts become visible.

Although usually the low-risk HPV types are responsible for an infection, the genital warts unfortunately also have high-risk variants (especially HPV 16). Likewise, coinfections with a wide variety of HPV types are possible.

Hygiene should be respected in the sauna and swimming pool, as human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted by sharing towels. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

risk factors

Risk factors for infection include a weakened immune system and frequent unprotected intercourse with changing partners. Bad intimate hygiene and careless shaving, in which the skin is injured and thereby cause inflammation in the genital area, are also among the risk factors. Furthermore, the risk factors include:

  • nicotine,
  • drugs,
  • the long-term use of sex hormones,
  • damp environment,
  • diabetes,
  • Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin),
  • Hemorrhoids and
  • strong discharge.

Patients who take immunosuppressants or have AIDS tend to get genital warts. People can harbor the papillomaviruses without getting them, but they still transfer them to others.

Appearance, occurrence, symptoms

Initially, the genital warts can be so small that they are overlooked by the naked eye. Usually they are pinhead sized. But they can grow and become several inches tall. The extreme case is cauliflower or cockscomb-like proliferation, which can lead to huge tumor conglomerates. These are aggressive and destroy the surrounding tissue. Genital warts can also occur on the mucous membrane, inside the body, such as in the urethra. The color of the condyloma is gray-white, brownish or reddish.

For women, they are mostly in the field

  • the labia,
  • at the entrance to the sept,
  • in the cervix
  • or in the urethra mouth.

In the male, the predilection sites, ie the places where the genital warts mainly settle

  • the penis shaft,
  • The anus,
  • the foreskin,
  • the glans,
  • the entrance of the urethra and
  • the rectum.

Genital warts need not cause any discomfort. Itching is possible if the warts are in body folds, as well as burning and increased discharge. Even small bleeding tears of the skin, around the warts, are possible. For most sufferers, mental stress is much greater than physical ailment. Those affected are ashamed, withdraw, feel guilty.

diagnosis

Despite the sense of shame that is associated with genital warts - going to the doctor is inevitable. The sooner the better. In most cases, a physical examination is sufficient to diagnose Condylomata acuminata.

In the beginning, the condylomas are often so small that the naked eye is not enough to be really sure. The doctor then uses a 3% acetic acid, with which he dabbed the affected skin very carefully (please never carry out yourself!). In a positive test, the affected skin is white, but this can unfortunately happen if a fungus is the cause. The safest is a tissue sample. Thus, the pathogen can be clearly identified.

Genital warts are just pinpoint head size and can barely be found at first glance. (Image: SENTELLO / fotolia.com)

As part of the medical history, important questions should be asked, such as:

  • "When did the lesions first appear?"
  • "Do you take any medications that suppress the immune system?"
  • "What about your defense at the moment - are you often sick?"
  • "Do you suffer from itching, burning or increased discharge?"

If no clear diagnosis is possible or there is a suspicion of colonization of the genital warts in the invisible area, further diagnostic options are possible, such as

  • a palpation of the anus,
  • Proctoscopy (colonoscopy),
  • a urethroscopy (urethral speculation) and
  • In the case of the woman, an examination of the vagina with the speculum.

treatment

In the treatment, an individual approach is important. An optimal therapy, which is valid for all patients, does not exist here. Often several methods are combined. The doctor can take medication, in the form of Ointments or solutions prescribe that destroy the warts. Both acid solutions Precise, careful action is extremely important so that the surrounding, healthy skin is not attacked. It is also possible to treat with a virus-killing cream. The condylomas can with laser overcooked, electrically abraded or even cut off. This will require a local anesthetic.

Another option is the cryotherapy (Icing), which is quite effective especially in the area of ​​the anus. In some cases, the man's foreskin must be removed. Already existing illnesses, like for example diabetes mellitus, which favor the emergence of the genital warts, are to be treated.

No matter which therapy is chosen, follow-up visits in a given period of time are essential. In persistent cases, treatment may be supported with an immune boosting measure.

A few years ago, there is an ointment on the market that contains a dry extract of green tea. It is well known that green tea has a positive effect on the immune system and can have an antiviral as well as antibacterial effect. So the ingredients of the ointment prevent an increase of the infected skin cells, reduce the multiplication of the virus and stimulate the defense. In Germany, this ointment requires a prescription.

At the slightest suspicion, pregnant women are immediately admitted to the practice of their gynecologist. Here must be treated very carefully.

The vaccines against HPV are recommended for girls and boys between the ages of nine and fourteen. (Image: Sherry Young / fotolia.com)

Vaccination

For years, vaccines against certain HPV virus types exist. These are intended to protect girls from cervical cancer. The Vaccination Committee recommends vaccinating between the ages of nine and fourteen, but not later than the age of 17, and in any case before the first sexual intercourse.

Since 2018, the HPV vaccine is also recommended for boys. Since the viruses can not only cause cervical cancer, but are also responsible for cancers such as anal cancer or oropharyngeal cancer, the vaccine recommendation was pronounced by the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO). The vaccinations should take place with the boys between the ninth and fourteenth year of life. The costs have been paid since August 2018 by the health insurance companies.

The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts, but not if it is already present.

General Tips

If one partner suffers from genital warts, the other should definitely be examined. As long as the warts persist, a condom must be used during intercourse. Even the condom does not protect one hundred percent from transmission, since skin contact or a smear infection as a transmission path are possible. Make sure you are clean, never use the same towel, avoid injury while shaving. Regular checks at the doctor clarify from when the condylomas are healed.

Condoms do not completely protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. (Image: Stock Photos-MG / fotolia.com)

Avoid anything that could weaken the immune system during treatment, such as alcohol, drugs, excessive exercise and lack of sleep. Watch out for a well-regulated routine, reduce stress when possible. Take a lot of fresh air and eat healthily.

Naturopathy

Genital warts belong in the hands of a doctor and an unauthorized "tinkering" is essential to refrain. Beyond the doctor's treatment, certain natural remedies, properly selected by the therapist, may have antiviral and defense enhancing effects. A naturopathic treatment, at the same time as orthodox medicine, can shorten the healing time.

The cistus is used successfully in influenza viruses. So here their antiviral effect is worth a try as well. Echinacea, the sun hat, supports the immune system, especially when it is used in the form of a so-called rocking therapy: as a mother tincture, a few drops, three days ingestion - three days break - three days taking - three days break, etc. - after four weeks is one Take a break of at least two weeks.

What also stimulates the immune system and antiviral effect is Thuja in homeopathic form. In addition, the intake of colostrum is recommended. Colostrum does not stimulate defense, but has a modulating effect, which is very important if patients have autoimmune disease. Echinacea is absolutely contraindicated here. Externally, dabbing with a melissa ointment or a strong balm can provide relief.

In addition to medical treatment, natural remedies such as Echinacea can strengthen the immune system. (Image: lva / fotolia.com)

Summary

In summary it can be said that genital warts should be examined by the doctor and treated as soon as possible. At home, the instructions given by the doctor regarding the use of medication, cleanliness and other rules of conduct must be followed exactly. A simultaneous treatment with naturopathic preparations can shorten the healing time and provide faster relief. But here too the walk to a therapist is necessary. Unauthorized action should be avoided. (Sw)