Warts can be treated in various other ways, as discussed below. The optimal treatment depends on factors such as clinical findings, urgency of treatment, & previous treatments. Lasers provide the fastest & cleanest way of removing warts however it is the most costly, whilst liquid nitrogen via a bulk billing GP is by far the cheapest option. Wart treatments include-

• Creams
• Liquid nitrogen
• Acid
• Surgery
• Lasers

Disclaimer: I do not manage or diagnose genital disorders, including genital warts. My colleague, Dr Sarath at Cutis Dermatology, Brisbane has an interest in male genital dermatology.

It comes down to costs. Cryotherapy by a bulk billing GP is cheaper than laser surgery by a dermatologist. Cryotherapy is typically performed at intervals of 2-4 weeks, most requiring a series of between 3 to 8 sessions. Lasers offer faster clearance & less overall recovery. 

Surgery is reserved for recalcitrant warts or bigger warts. Surgical options include:

• Cryosurgery or freezing with liquid nitrogen. Freezing works by causing a blister to form around your wart. As your skin heals, the lesions slough off, allowing new skin to appear. This requires multiple treatments.  
• Electrocautery. This procedure uses a current to burn off warts. 
• Surgical excision. Your doctor may elect to cut out warts with a scalpel.
• Laser treatments. Provides pin-point accuracy with minimal collateral damage.

Disclaimer: I do not manage or diagnose genital disorders, including wart virus. My colleague, Dr Sarath at Cutis Dermatology, Brisbane has an interest in male genital dermatology.

• Podophyllotoxin – can be applied at home. It is most effective on multiple warts 
• Imiquimod cream or Aldara – this is applied once a day, three times a week for up to three months. It works by upregulating your immune system to fight wart virus. Flu like symptoms & marked skin inflammation is common with Aldara treatment. Your dermatologist will supervise application. 
• Sinecatechins (Veregen). This cream is used for treatment of external genital warts. Side effects include skin irritation, itching or burning.
• TCA or trichloroacetic acid. This can be applied by your dermatologist to affected areas.

Absolutely. This virus is passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV on their skin. It can be passed from person to person during vaginal, oral  & anal sex.

Left unchecked, genital warts grow larger, bleed, & cause pain or itching. On the other hand, they can be involute. Rarely, genital warts turn into cancer.

A dermatologist can tell the difference in most cases. Lesions that mimic genital warts include-

• Bowenoid papulosis
• Angiokeratomas of Fordyce
• Non-infective age warts
• Molluscum virus
• Isolated pearly penile papules
• Fordyce spots

The warts usually appear as small bumps or groups of bumps. They are flesh-colored however  can be flat or conversely look bumpy. Some genital warts are so small you cannot see them.

Of all the home remedies, the most effective (& potentially dangerous) is cryotherapy. You can buy cryo kits online or at most pharmacies. They are meant for the treatment of normal warts, but with a little improvisation, they can be modified for genital wart treatment. Genitalia are more sensitive than the sole of your foot, so be warned. 

Other home remedies include-

• Tea tree oil.
• Witch Hazel.
• Apple cider vinegar.
• Zinc sulfate tablets

These homeopathic remedies have one thing in common- to cause skin irritation & inflammation which causes an immune reaction to clear the wart virus. The problem? Modulation of inflammation, irritant & allergic contact dermatitis, especially to TTO. 

Zinc tablets have been shown to help resolve other forms of warts as it upregulates your immune system. Take double the RDI for 3 months. Case reports are well documented.

There are home kits for TCA (acid). It works well, however too much acid will result in burns. Best supervised if you are putting acid on your genitals. 

Aldara is a topical cream commonly used to treat genital warts. It contains the active ingredient imiquimod, which helps stimulate the immune system to fight the warts. This guide can assist you, however it is important to follow the specific guidance provided by your healthcare professional as we all have different variations .

1. Wash and dry the affected area: Before applying Aldara, make sure the area is clean and dry. Use mild soap and water, and pat the area dry with a clean towel.
2. Apply a thin layer of Aldara: Squeeze a small amount of Aldara cream onto your fingertip. Gently apply a thin layer of the cream to cover each wart and a small area of healthy skin surrounding it. Rub the cream into the skin until it disappears. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after application.
3. Leave the cream on for the recommended time: The duration of application can vary depending on the specific instructions from your healthcare professional. Typically, Aldara is left on the skin for 6 to 10 hours, and then washed off. Some people apply the cream at bedtime and remove it in the morning. Follow the specific instructions given to you by your healthcare professional.
4. Wash off the cream: After the recommended application time has passed, wash the treated area with mild soap and water. Make sure to remove all the cream from the skin.
5. Repeat the process: Aldara treatment is often done three times a week, with application on alternate days. For example, you may apply Aldara on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and then have a break over the weekend. The duration of treatment can vary, typically lasting from several weeks to a few months. Follow the treatment schedule and duration recommended by your healthcare professional.
6. Monitor the skin and follow up: Pay attention to any changes in the treated area and report any side effects or concerns to your healthcare professional. They may want to monitor your progress during the treatment period and make any necessary adjustments.

It’s important to note that Aldara may cause local skin reactions such as redness, itching, burning, or swelling. These reactions are normal and usually resolve with continued treatment. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare professional.

Consult with your healthcare professional for specific instructions on using Aldara for genital warts. They will provide you with personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances and the severity of your condition.