Last Updated on Monday, 28 March 2011 09:02 Written by Dr Simon Baxter

Genital Warts Overview

Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They are transmitted through sexual contact and mainly affect the youth in their 20s. The warts grow in the moist tissues of the genital areas like the vulva, vagina, and cervix in case of females and the tip and/or shaft of the penis in males. They may also appear in and around the anal region. If there is oral sexual contact between the partners, these warts may also appear in the mouth and the throat.

What are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are among the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Medically known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, they are caused by a virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are over 100 different types of HPV which can affect the body. Most genital warts are caused by types 6 and 11.

Who is at risk?

• People who do not practice safe sex.

• People who have multiple partners and do not practice safe sex are at the greatest risk of contracting genital warts.

Genital Warts Symptoms

The visual symptoms of genital warts, the warts themselves, may take anywhere from two weeks to several months or longer to appear. There may be small, fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes which may appear anywhere in or on the genital or anal area

Genital warts may occur singly or in groups; an individual may have just one or two or they may have dozens. The warts may itch but are usualy painless.

• Genital Warts in Men: Warts can be found on the penis, scrotum, urethra, the upper thighs and on or inside the anus. (Click for symptoms and pictures)
  

• Genital Warts in Women: Warts can be found on the vulva, cervix, upper thighs, in the vagina and on or inside the anus.(Click for symptoms and pictures)

A doctor or nurse will usually be able to tell if you have genital warts by looking at the symptoms.

It is not uncommon for people not to develop visible symptoms of genital warts. Men can develop warts inside the urethra and women can develop warts deep inside the vagina. There can also be an interval of up to 18 months between infection and the appearance of visible symptoms.

• More on Genital Warts Symptoms

Genital Warts Diagnosis

Genital Warts are usually diagnosed through a visual examination by a doctor or nurse. Even if you or your partner are sure you have genital warts it is still adviseable to have a check up to confirm.

• More on Genital Warts Diagnosis

Genital Warts Treatment

Treatment for genital warts will depend on what the warts look like, how many you have and where they are. As genital warts are caused by a virus and not a bacteria, antibiotics will not get rid of them. You will only need treatment if the warts are visible. Warts can be removed by putting a cream or liquid onto the warts, freezing, heat, surgery or laser treatment. 

The underlying virus can not be completely removed and the genital warts may reappear even after treatment.

• Podophyllotoxin solution and Podophyllotoxin cream: This treatments can be applied in a clinic or at home by the patient. A typical treatment course will last up to four weeks.

• Podophyllin Solution: This treatments is usually administered by clinical staff. It must be washed off within four hours as it is toxic and can irritate the surrounding skin.

• TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid): This is a caustic chemical applied to the warts by clinic staff.

• Immune Response Modifiers: These enhance the immune system's ability to fight the virus responsible for gential warts.

• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen by clinical staff. This kills cells in the warts and some surrounding skin.

• Cauterizing: This involves burning off the warts by clinical staff with an electrically heated probe, after numbing the area with a local anaesthetic.

• Laser Treatment: This may be done under general or local anaesthetic at the clinic. This can be usefull for treating areas with a lot of warts. The heat of the laser kills the cells.

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the warts may be done in hospital.

How Quickly Does Treatment Work?

In some people the warts will go away very quickly but for others the warts can be more stubborn and may need to be treated a number of times. If one treatment doesn't work another treatment or combination of treatments can be tried.

• More on Genital Warts Treatment

Prevention of Genital Warts

The following can all help with the prevention of genital warts

• Safe sex: Since HPV is an STD that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, using a condom every time you have sex can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HPV.

• Abstinence: You need to avoid sexual contact until the warts are treated. You must tell your sexual partner about it and insist on getting her/him examined too.

• Vaccination: A new vaccine called Gardasil has given hopes of protection from the most dangerous types of HPV. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine in June 2006. The recommended age by the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is between 11 and 12 years. However, you may get vaccinated even if you fall in the age group of 13 to 26 years. The vaccine is most effective if given before the teenager is sexually active.

Genital Warts and Cervical Cancer

A relationship between the human papilloma virus (HPV) and cancer of the cervix has been established. Cervical cancer is more prevalent in women who suffer from HPV than in the rest of the populations. It is extremely important for any women who has suffered from genital warts or who has had unprotected sex with a man with genital warts to have regular smear tests.

Next: Genital Warts Symptoms

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Genital Warts Index

• Genital Warts
• Genital Warts Symptoms
• Genital Warts Causes
• Gential Warts Diagnosis
• Genital Warts Treatment
• Gential Warts Prevention

Genital Warts Symptoms

Most people will not develop symptoms (visible warts) and the virus will go away on its own. This means that you may not know whether you or your partner has genital warts.

The HPV infection has a long incubation period. This means it may take several months to years before the warts appear in the genital area, putting you at risk if your partner is not aware of the infection. In women, the warts may form in the cervix and go unnoticed.

• Appearance of genital warts: Genital warts have a very variable appearance. They can be flat with stalks or rough with cauliflower-like growth. They can appear as tiny single wart (1millimeter, the size of your ball point pen) or grow in clusters.

• Locationof genital warts:

• In men, the warts are often seen on the tip or shaft of the penis and / or underneath the foreskin. At times they may appear in the urethra and the area around the rectum. (Click to view additional pictures - warning - explicit images)

• In women, the warts can appear in the vagina, on the vulva, by the urethra, and also in and around the rectum. (Click to view additional pictures - warning - explicit images)

• Pain: Genital warts are usually painless, but they may be itchy and cause a burning sensation.

Further Complications of Genital Warts

Cancer

• Females: Risk of malignancy of the cervix, vulva and anus.

• Males: Risk of malignancy of the penis and anus.

Pregnancy

• Enlarged warts may cause difficulty in urination.

• Warts in the vagina inhibit stretching of the vaginal tissue prolonging childbirth.

• Your baby may develop warts in his or her throat. An emergency surgery may be needed to prevent obstruction of the airway.

Next: Genital Warts Causes

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Genital Warts Index

• Genital Warts
• Genital Warts Symptoms
• Genital Warts Causes
• Gential Warts Diagnosis
• Genital Warts Treatment
• Gential Warts Prevention

Genital Warts Causes

Genital warts are an infection of the skin on the genital and anal areas, and the mucous membranes (lining) of the vagina, cervix and rectum. They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

There are over 100 different types of HPV which can affect different parts of the body, including the hands and feet (warts on the feet are called verucca). Approximately 30 types of HPV can live in and around the genital and anal area but most genital warts are caused by just two types of virus.

This virus is transmitted only through sexual contact. You may get infected with HPV by having oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected person.

Factors Increasing Risk of Genital Warts

• Unprotected, unsafe sex: Although condoms are considered safe, they may not cover the entire length of the penis. This puts you to risk especially if you are not aware of your partner’s infection.

• Multiple partners.

• Any previous venereal disease / STD.

• Sexual contact with unknown partners.

• Being sexually active at a young age.

• It is not thought that warts on the hands can be passed onto the genitals.

• It is possible for a preganat woman who has genital warts at the time to pass the warts onto her baby, but this is rare.

• You cannot get genital warts from hugging, kissing, sharing baths or bath towels, from swimming pools, toliet seats or from sharing cups, plates or cutlery.

Next: Genital Warts Diagnosis

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Genital Warts Index

• Genital Warts
• Genital Warts Symptoms
• Genital Warts Causes
• Gential Warts Diagnosis
• Genital Warts Treatment
• Gential Warts Prevention

Genital Warts Diagnosis

Genital Warts are usually diagnosed through a visual examination by a doctor or nurse. Even if you or your partner are sure you have genital warts it is still adviseable to have a check up to confirm.

Women may need to undergo a Pap smear test. This test detects changes on the cervix which may be caused by the genital warts. Most importantly, a Pap smear test helps rule out cervical cancer too.

If you are diagnosed with genital warts, you should get your partner checked too.

Certain blood tests such as VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) tests help to detect STD in the absence of any external symptoms.

Next: Genital Warts Treatment

Genital Warts Treatment

Treatment of genital warts includes medicines and surgery. The underlying virus can not be completely removed and the genital warts may reappear even after treatment.

It is important that both you and your partner receive medical aid. Genital warts are easy to treat when they are small and few, but at times the treatment can last for months.

Medication Treatments for Genital Warts

Creams available for the treatment of genital warts include:

• Imiquimod: This cream may boost your immune system's ability to fight genital warts.

• Podofilox: Podofilox destroys the tissue of genital warts. Hence it has to be applied only on the warts and not the surrounding skin. It is not meant for internal application e.g. for warts inside your vagina or cervix. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): This is a chemical that burns of the warts. The chemical must be handled carefully and must always be applied by a doctor.

Avoid the use of over-the-counter medications as they are not intended for use in the moist tissues of the genital area. For people who are looking for natural treatments, there are products available for genital warts treatment that are organic and do not contain chemicals

Surgical treatments for genital warts

Surgery is advised for large warts and especially during pregnancy. Surgical treatments include:

• Cryotherapy (Freezing with liquid nitrogen): This procedure causes a blister to form around your wart. As your skin heals, the lesions fall off and new skin appears. However, you may need repeated Cryotherapy sittings.

• Electrocautery: Electrical current is used to burn off warts. Surgical excision: Your doctor can cut off the warts after you are given local anaesthesia.

• Laser treatments: This procedure uses an intense beam of light to remove the warts. It is an expensive procedure advised only for very extensive and difficult-to-treat warts.

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__________________________________________________________________________

Genital Warts Index

• Genital Warts
• Genital Warts Symptoms
• Genital Warts Causes
• Gential Warts Diagnosis
• Genital Warts Treatment
• Gential Warts Prevention

Prevention of Genital Warts

The following can all help with the prevention of genital warts

• Safe sex: Since HPV is an STD that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, using a condom every time you have sex can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HPV.

• Abstinence: You need to avoid sexual contact until the warts are treated. You must tell your sexual partner about it and insist on getting her/him examined too.

• Vaccination: A new vaccine called Gardasil has given hopes of protection from the most dangerous types of HPV. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine in June 2006. The recommended age by the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is between 11 and 12 years. However, you may get vaccinated even if you fall in the age group of 13 to 26 years. The vaccine is most effective if given before the teenager is sexually active.

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Genital Warts Index

• Genital Warts
• Genital Warts Symptoms
• Genital Warts Causes
• Gential Warts Diagnosis
• Genital Warts Treatment
• Gential Warts Prevention

Tiny genital wart popules on the head of the penis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next: Female Genital Warts Pictures

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Genital Warts Index

• Genital Warts
• Genital Warts Symptoms
• Genital Warts Causes
• Gential Warts Diagnosis
• Genital Warts Treatment
• Gential Warts Prevention

Female genital warts around the vagina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anal Genital Warts

 

 

 

 

 

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Genital Warts Index

• Genital Warts
• Genital Warts Symptoms
• Genital Warts Causes
• Gential Warts Diagnosis
• Genital Warts Treatment
• Gential Warts Prevention

Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 October 2010 14:19 Written by Dr Simon Baxter

Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox.

Shingles results in clusters of burning, itching blisters, typically on one side of the chest or back but may affect the face and more rarely the eye.

Shingles Overview

Shingles is a viral infection that affects the skin. It's characterized by unilateral (one-sided), inflammatory, painful, fluid filled blisters.

Shingles Symptoms

Early symptoms of shingles include burning or shooting pain, and tingling or itching on the body or face. A sure sign is the appearance of blisters that last for over fourteen days.

One of the characteristics of shingles is that it appears along either the cranial or the spinal nerve. The blisters often run from the middle of your back around one side of your chest to your breastbone. They may also appear on your face along the path of the trigeminal nerve.

The pain caused by shingles can be severe and unbearable; it can last for weeks, months or even years. This debilitating complication is called post herpetic neuralgia.

• More on shingles symptoms

Shingles Causes

After a chicken pox infection the virus remains dormant inside the body, hidden in the nervous system. If for some reason, the immune system is weakened, the virus can be ‘reactivated’. When this happens the virus travels down a nerve and causes a rash in the area of skin supplied by that nerve.

Shingles is most common in the 50 plus age group as the immune system weakens with age.

Reactivation of the virus may be triggered by an infection somewhere else in the body or after emotional or physical stress – all factors that place additional strain on the immune system.

• More on Shingles Causes

Shingles Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose shingles by the appearance of the rash and whether the patient has had chicken pox. A blood test or tissue culture of a blister may reveal signs of activated varicella-zoster virus.

Shingles Incidence

Around 20-25% of people develop shingles in their lifetime. Both men and women are affected equally. It's most common in older people, but those with weakened immunity are also susceptible, irrespective of their age-group.

Shingles Treatment

Although excruciatingly painful, shingles is not a life-threatening disease. There's no cure for shingles but there is medication for the pain and inflammation that will help to reduce discomfort. Preventive vaccination is available for people over 60 years of age.

• Relieve itching by applying a cool compress; using a soothing lotion like calamine or a prescription steroid cream for severe symptoms.

• Pain relief - paracetamol or ibuprofen are both available from your pharmacy and will help relieve mild pain. For strong pain and for post-herpetic neuralgia your doctor may prescribe other drugs, including narcotic drugs like tramadol or codeine.

• Capsaicin cream contains an extract from chilli peppers and is known to help severe nerve pain.

• Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing known to stimulate natural pain relief chemicals in the brain (endorphins), which can help with pain.

• More on Shingles Treatment

Shingles Prevention

There is a vaccine that reduces the risk of developing shingles. The vaccine is available in the US and is given to the 60 plus age group. The vaccine is not available in the UK.

Next: Shingles Symptoms

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Shingles Index

• Shingles Overview
• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Self Help
• Shingles Pictures

The primary symptom of shingles is the rash of fluid filled blisters. This rash is extremely painful and may be accompanied by flu like symptoms. The image to the right shows the fluid filled blisters at the onset of an outbreak. (Larger view and additional images).

The blisters often run from the middle of your back around one side of your chest to your breastbone. They may also appear on your face along the path of the trigeminal nerve.

Early signs and symptoms of shingles:

Just before the appearance of the telltale rash, you may suffer from:

• Fever and or headache

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Very sensitive and painful skin with tingling or burning around the area of the appearance of the rash

Blister stage and symptoms of shingles:

After a few days, a rash appears. The classical characteristics of the rash are as follows:

• Small fluid-filled blisters, also called vesicles

• Red and swollen surrounding skin

• After three to five days the blisters burst

• Blisters turn into sores

• Gradually the sores dry out to form crusts, also called scabs

• The scabs fall off after two to three weeks

Complications of Shingles

There are a number of possible complications that can result from shingles. Hoever these are more common on those with weakened immune system.

• Infection: Secondary bacterial infection of the blisters due to scratching; sweating around the breast region; close fitting clothes that cause undue friction.

• Shingles on the face: Eruptions very close to the eyes, or at the top of the nose, may cause scarring on the cornea; this in turn can affect your vision. In rare cases, this may lead to a temporary hearing loss, facial paralysis and decreased sense of taste

• Post-herpetic neuralgia: The most common complication caused by shingles is pain in the area of the rash that stays even after the rash has disappeared. Medically known as post-herpetic neuralgia, this pain is often debilitating and depressing.

• Scarring: There are a number of possible complications that can result from shingles. Small white spot scars from the blisters are possible but not common.

• Encephalitis: Which only occurs in rare cases, and causes a high fever and confusion.

Next: Shingles Treatment

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Shingles Index

• Shingles Overview
• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Self Help
• Shingles Pictures

Shingles Causes

The varicella zoster virus causes shingles - or herpes zoster. This is the same virus that causes chicken pox. When human beings contract chickenpox (most often in childhood), the virus travels from the skin, along the nerve paths, to the roots of the nerves. It stays here in an inactive state.

The virus is then re-activated later in life due to a weakened immune system and because of certain triggers. Thereafter, it travels along the nerve paths to the skin and appears in the form of shingles.

Some of the better-understood triggers are:

• Physical or mental trauma

• Cancers, especially tumours of the spinal cord, and lymphomas

• An immunosuppressed, immunocompromised state such as that caused by HIV/AIDS , autoimmune diseases, etc.

• Certain drugs, or treatments such as chemotherapy

Shingles Diagnosis

Shingles is a clinical diagnosis. This means that the characteristic appearance of the rash is usually sufficient for the doctor to make a diagnosis during your first visit.

If needed, the blisters may be scraped for virus identification. A blood test may also confirm the initial diagnosis.

Next: Shingles Treatment

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Shingles Index

• Shingles Overview
• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Self Help
• Shingles Pictures

Shingles Treatment

There is no known cure for shingles. The medical treatment provided usually consists of the following:

• Local application of calamine lotion

• Antihistamines, to reduce severe itching Analgesics or painkillers, such as aspirin or paracetamol

• Antiviral: One of several antivirals such acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir may be prescribed. These medications have the ability to reduce the severity and duration of the rash, if prescribed at an early stage (within 48 to 72 hours of the appearance of the rash).

• Antibiotics may be given either orally, or via local application, especially if there is a secondary bacterial infection.

• Steroids, to reduce pain and the incidence of complications. They are sometime prescribed along with other medication in the early stages of the treatment.

Treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia may include one, or a combination, of the following, depending on the symptoms:

• Analgesics

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Anticonvulsants

• Topical counter-irritants such as capsaicin

• Large doses of vitamin Bl, B6, B12 supplements

All these drugs have potential side effects. Capsaicin for example can cause local irritation, and tricyclic antidepressants can cause drowsiness. Do not self medicate. Always consult your doctor before use.

Next: Shingles Self Help

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__________________________________________________________________________

Shingles Index

• Shingles Overview
• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Self Help
• Shingles Pictures

Shingles Self Help

• Avoid scratching as it increases the risk of bacterial infection. It also increases the chances of the occurrence of post herpetic pigmentation and scarring.

• To decrease the itching and pain, you may apply cool water compresses to the blisters. This can be done for about 20 minutes, 4-5 times a day. This will also help to dry the blisters and remove the scabs. Once the blisters have dried up, the water compresses may be stopped.

• Clean the affected area with mild soap and water.

• If the rash is around the chest area or just below your breast, you should avoid tightly fitted shirts or bras; friction with clothes can cause severe pain and also increases the chances of infection.

• In order to protect your family members, avoid close skin-to-skin contact, especially if they have never contracted chickenpox; or if they are ill and their immunity is low.

Next: Shingles Pictures

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Shingles Index

• Shingles Overview
• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Self Help
• Shingles Pictures

Small blisters at the onset of shingles oubreak

Next: Picture 2

Shingles Index

• Shingles Overview
• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Self Help
• Shingles Pictures

Shingles blisters following the path of a nerve

Next: Picture 3

Shingles Index

• Shingles Overview
• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Self Help
• Shingles Pictures

Typical shingles blister position on the chest

Shingles Index

• Shingles Overview
• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Self Help
• Shingles Pictures

Last Updated on Thursday, 03 September 2009 17:41

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder that becomes obvious during childhood. It is much more common in boys than girls.

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