What to look for
- painless flesh-coloured or white growths on the vulva, anus, or penis that may develop a cauliflower-like appearance.
- growths that are itchy or mildly sore.
- sometimes there are no symptoms
Women who are pregnant and people with weak immune systems are more susceptible to this infection.
Genital warts are contagious, you should see a doctor if you discover any such growths.
Although the warts are harmless in themselves, there appears to be some link between genital warts and cervical cancer. Therefore you should have a pap smear regularly to note any changes in the virus.
Causes
Genital warts are caused by the same virus that causes other warts on the hands and feet etc – the human papilloma virus, or HPV.
Traditional Treatment
Although there is no cure for genital warts, they are easily controlled and should not disrupt your life. Nearly all warts go within six months to two years. Nonetheless, genital warts should not be left untreated as they are highly contagious and can come back later on.
Never attempt to get rid of genital warts with over-the-counter remedies. Instead, let your doctor remove warts with a chemical “paint”.
Alternative/Natural Treatments
Because genital warts are contagious, you should see a doctor before looking at any other type of treatment.
Chinese Herbs – A doctor of Chinese medicine will give you a unique herbal prescription to cleanse your liver and build up your immune system. Ingredients may include Chinese foxglove root (Rehmannia glutinosa) and gentiana (Gentiana scabra). A doctor of Chinese medicine will give you a unique herbal prescription to cleanse your liver and build up your immune system. Ingredients may include Chinese foxglove root (Rehmannia glutinosa) and gentiana (Gentiana scabra).
Herbal Therapies – To help heal warts, apply garlic (Allium sativum), or the juice of a sour apple, a dandelion stalk, a fresh pineapple, or fresh green figs. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) juice applied to the area may be beneficial as well. All have properties that are therapeutic to skin conditions. To help heal warts, apply garlic (Allium sativum), or the juice of a sour apple, a dandelion stalk, a fresh pineapple, or fresh green figs. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) juice applied to the area may be beneficial as well. All have properties that are therapeutic to skin conditions.
Homoeopathy – A Homoeopathic physician will prescribe a treatment to strengthen your immune system. Some Homoeopaths may recommend that you apply Thuja Occidentalis tincture to the warts. Sabina, taken orally, is another common remedy. A Homoeopathic physician will prescribe a treatment to strengthen your immune system. Some Homoeopaths may recommend that you apply Thuja Occidentalis tincture to the warts. Sabina, taken orally, is another common remedy.
Dietary Considerations
To prevent infections from recurring, eat plenty of foods that contain vitamins A and C, which help the body fight off infections, and folic acid, which strengthens the immune system. (Broccoli and spinach are good sources).
Personal Care
- Apply tea tree oil (Melaleuca spp.) to warts to help them heal.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Prevention
The best way to prevent genital warts is to use condoms.
When to seek further professional advice
- you develop any of the symptoms listed in the description section
