There are two primary treatments available for genital warts, and each option offers a variety of choices. The first is designed to destroy the wart tissue by heating, physically removing or freezing them. The second is to use lotions, chemicals and a topical cream to heal them. Each option has benefits and drawbacks.
Creams/Liquids
Primarily, a topical cream is one of the best options for removing genital warts. They work best on a softer wart. Chemicals can be in the form of a liquid where they use particular application sticks and drip the liquid onto the wart. While it can be effective, it’s tough to place the liquid in the right spot and can cause severe irritation in some.
Creams, on the other hand, can be applied to the area and may not contain such strong doses of the medication. It’s best to wash your hands before and after, or use gloves to protect the hands. While you can still experience some irritation, it is usually mild.
It may take weeks of applying the creams or liquids before the wart goes away.
Freezing/Heating/Physical Removal
Another effective treatment for genital warts is to use physical ablation, which includes laser surgery, electrosurgery, excision, and cryotherapy. All of these treatments are effective at removal, but it’s important to understand that surgery carries risks with it. Likewise, the treatment isn’t permanent, so you may have to pay to have them removed multiple times per year. While it is a faster process of removal, it can become expensive, especially if your insurance company won’t cover the procedure. For this reason, most people choose a topical cream to try.
It’s important to choose one that is proven to work and uses appropriate ingredients safe for you to use on yourself.
