Treating Genital Warts
Q: I was recently diagnosed with genital warts. I just have one tiny small one, so the doctor gave me a prescription for this smelly tincture that I put on it. She said if it doesn’t work to come back and she’ll try a procedure to get rid of it. I think she used the word freezing? I was a bit in shock at the time and didn’t ask questions. What are some of the different ways to treat genital warts and what are the benefits or downsides of each? Which one is the least painful? Will there be scars left over? Thanks.
A: There are several ways to get rid of external genital warts. The first is the ointment that you speak of, which is applied directly to warts over a period of several weeks at home. Another method is having the doctor put chemicals on warts once a week for a few weeks. Finally, there is cryotherapy, or the “freezing” off of warts, burning them off with an electric current or having them removed (sliced off) with a very fine instrument. The last few options sound scary, but they are actually simple procedures that last only seconds. Plus, they usually apply a numbing cream to the area before. On another note, you might consider getting the vaccine for HPV. Contact your physician who can give you all the information so you can make a decision for yourself.
What Is Molluscum?
Q: Dear Laurie, One of my friends recently confided in me that she had been diagnosed with molluscum. I’d heard about all the usual STIs in Sex Ed class (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, and the like), but I’d never heard of molluscum. I didn’t want to ask her too many questions and make her feel bad, but what exactly is molluscum? What are the symptoms and how is it treated? I’ve gotten tested for STIs before, but I’m not sure that I’ve been tested for it. Should this be something I ask my doctor to include next time I get tested, or is it rare? Thanks!
A: Molluscum is a virus (molluscum contagiosum) that is spread through skin to skin contact or touching a contaminated object (like a towel). This virus was mostly seen in children, but we also know that it can be transmitted sexually in adults. This is a mild skin disease that appears as growths anywhere on the body, which often resolve on their own. A person is contagious as long as the lesions appear. This can be treated by a dermatologist. There is no reason to test for it unless you have these growths.