Genital Warts Treatment in Singapore: How to Do It Yourself
Genital warts are small growths on the skin in the genital area. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear as small, rough bumps or flat lesions.
Some may be flesh-colored, while others are darker. People with genital warts may feel pain or discomfort.
Genital warts might also cause itching or burning. In case you’re wondering how they come about, genital warts often spread through sexual contact.
Many people feel embarrassed or worried when they see these growths which explains why you may have also delayed to have sought a treatment option for genital warts. In today’s piece, we will explain how you can try home treatment and when to see a doctor for genital warts treatment in Singapore. Let’s begin!
Can Your Body Rid Itself of Genital Warts?
If you’re like many people, you’re probably wondering if your body can get rid of genital warts without treatment. The answer is not simple.
In some cases, the immune system fights the human papillomavirus (HPV) which may lead to the disappearance of warts. For some, genital warts vanish on their own, a process which can take a few months. Others may see them go away in one or two years. In some cases, warts clear up in about two years.
While the body has a natural way to heal, this is not always the case. If your immune system is strong, you may see improvement. However, if you have a weak immune system, the warts may not vanish.
The warts may not disappear because when the immune system is weak, it does not fight the virus well which is why the warts can persist. Even when warts disappear, the virus remains in your body which means you can get warts again later.
A weak immune system may be due to stress or illness. It may also be due to certain medications.
Can I Treat Genital Warts Myself?
Many people try to treat STIs on their own due to embarrassment, fear of judgment, or lack of access to healthcare. So, it is just natural that one of the most asked questions about genital warts treatment in Singapore is; can I treat genital warts myself?
The answer is yes, you can sometimes manage to treat genital warts yourself as there are home remedies that may help heal the warts. However, it is important to note that self-treatment does not cure the HPV virus and you must also be careful when trying home methods.
Importantly, not all remedies work for everyone. You will also always need to do a patch test first. If irritation occurs, stop using the remedy immediately. Here are some common home remedies for genital warts:
- Green Tea Extract: Prescription-strength green tea extract has shown promise in treating warts. It works by boosting the immune system. Over-the-counter versions may not be as strong.
- Tea Tree Oil: This oil is known for its antimicrobial properties. It might help reduce the size of warts but it can irritate the skin.
- Witch Hazel: Witch hazel can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Use it carefully and do not apply it on sensitive areas.
- Garlic Extract: Some studies suggest that garlic extract can help remove warts. For use, is to be applied to the affected area twice daily.
If you’re going to use any of these home remedies for genital warts, be sure to use them with caution. Importantly, always use clean hands and tools and do not overuse any remedy as the skin in the genital area is very delicate.
Overuse may cause burns or irritation. If you notice increased pain, redness, or swelling, stop immediately.
It is also important to note that home treatment may work for small warts but large or widespread warts will definitely need a doctor’s care. Also, if you have an allergic reaction, seek medical help right away.
To monitor your progress, keep a journal of any changes. If you do not see improvement within a few months, visit a doctor. Never ignore signs of worsening symptoms.
How Do Doctors Cure Genital Warts?
We strongly recommend seeing a doctor for genital warts treatment in Singapore if you’ve tried home remedies and they do not seem to work. You can tell the home remedies aren’t working if the warts continue becoming large or spreading.
Now to answer the question; how do doctors cure genital warts, it is important to note that HPV, the virus responsible for genital warts, still has no cure which is why genital warts tend to reoccur. Despite the fact that there isn’t a cure for HPV, there are several methods that doctors use to treat genital warts itself.
They can use topical medications and sometimes even surgery. Topical treatments help destroy the wart tissue. Here are some common medications:
- Imiquimod (Zyclara): This cream boosts the immune system to fight warts. However, it may cause skin irritation and mild rashes.
- Podophyllin & Podofilox: These treatments destroy wart tissue. However, they should not be used internally or during pregnancy.
- Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): This acid burns off warts. It is used carefully by professionals.
- Sinecatechins (Veregen): This is ointment for external and anal warts. It may cause itching and burning.
If surgery is recommended as part of your genital warts treatment in Singapore, the doctor may use cryotherapy, electrocautery, excision, or laser therapy. Cryotherapy freezes the warts, electrocautery burns them off, excision removes warts under anesthesia and laser therapy is used for severe cases.
While each of these methods can help treat genital warts, the virus remains in your body even after treatment. This means that warts can still come back.
If you’re seeing an accredited doctor for genital warts treatment in Singapore, they will recommend follow-up visits to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Wrapping Up
Having genital warts can be frustrating but the good thing is that this condition can be managed with self-care or medical treatment. Know your limits and seek help when needed.
For tailored genital warts treatment in Singapore, our experts perform thorough assessments and tests. We provide the most suitable solutions to ensure your health and well-being. To learn more and see what works for you, get in touch with us today to book your consultation.
Dr Ben Medical @ Tanjong Pagar | ED Treatment | STD Treatment Singapore
160 Robinson Road, #03-09, SBF Center, Medical Suites, Singapore 068914
Phone: +65 8881 2344
