Genital warts can be especially painful, and finding relief can be challenging. At Borealis Dermatology, we can offer prescription-level treatments and therapies to remove genital warts and keep your sensitive regions healthy effectively.

What are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are sexually transmitted infections affecting the genital tissues. These warts look like flesh-colored bumps that have an uneven, overgrown appearance. They can grow along any area of the genitalia, including the external genitals, anal canal, cervix, and vulva. They’re itchy and uncomfortable, and often bleed with intercourse.

Did you know…

About 360,000 people each year get infected with genital warts; this is how easily the viral infection spreads! Genital warts can also infect the mouth and throat through oral sexual contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Genital Warts?

Certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV, spread from sexual contact or intercourse and cause these genital warts. The types include type 6 and type 11, which cause about 90% of genital warts. Certain types of HPV can also grow to cancer if left untreated, so it’s vital to seek a dermatologist to manage your skin condition.

How are Genital Warts treated?

Although your body’s immune system can fight off the viral infection without further treatment, it can become uncomfortable and easily pass to sexual partners during the infection flare. Getting treatment lowers your chance of passing warts to anyone you have sexual intercourse with, and relieves your pain or discomfort. Some of these treatments include:

• Prescription Creams: Prescription creams, like imiquimod, can be directly applied to the genital warts, and helps destroy the wart tissue and boost the immune system. 
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the genital wart by causing a blister to form around it. Multiple treatments may be required before the wart falls off.
• Electrodesiccation: A low-energy electrical current can be applied directly to the genital wart, burning it off completely.
• Surgical Excision: Genital warts can also be scraped off or excised off using surgical instruments, like a thin blade.
• Laser Treatment: Laser treatment uses energy-based devices that work with intense beams of light to treat the genital wart. However, this treatment is specifically reserved for extensive and difficult warts that don’t get a response to other treatments.

How can I prevent Genital Warts?

While genital warts can be treated, they cannot be completely cured because you still have the HPV virus within your body. You can manage the flare-ups by keeping the area clean, washing your hands after touching the area, using cold packs, and avoiding sex during flare-ups. During sexual intercourse, make sure to use condoms to prevent the HPV virus from spreading. You can also get the HPV vaccine to help prevent the virus from becoming active even when infected. Females should also get a Pap smear annually with their gynecologist for early detection.

Contact our office for an appointment with one of our providers if you have rashes or bumps on your genitals. Borealis Dermatology offers two convenient locations to provide various treatments for our patients in the Queens and Long Island areas. You can experience the highest medical and aesthetic expertise available through our treatment options by visiting our clinic.