Genital warts are warts that are located near or in the genital areas. In a female, that means on or near the vulva (the outside genital area), vagina, cervix, or anus. In a male, that means near or on the penis, scrotum, or anus. Warts appear as bumps or growths. They can be flat or raised, single or many, small or large. They tend to be whitish or flesh colored. They are not always easy to see with the naked eye, and many times a person with genital warts doesn’t know that they are there.

You will only be offered treatment if you have visible warts. The treatment will depend on what the warts look like, how many you have and where they are. The aim of treatment is to remove visible warts and reduce the amount of virus as this helps the bodys immune system to fight the virus. How effective the treatment is varies and depends on the size and type of warts, the treatment that is used and how good your immune system is at fighting the virus.

The first option is goldenseal which is thought to have natural antibiotic properties and may destroy several forms of viral infections. Then there is tea tree oil which is a strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial aromatherapy essential oil. People commonly use aloe vera since it has both healing and soothing properties. Garlic oil or raw garlic is believed to promote white blood cells and their ability to fight against infection. Last there is sour apple juice which is believed to work because of the magnesium in the apple.

The symptoms of warts can be treated with a few different treatments. One type of treatment available is painting . It is called painting because, a brown liquid called podophyllin is painted on the affected area, this method should not be used when pregnant. The other types of treatment available are a laser method, using an intense light to destroy the wart and a freezing method, to freeze the wart. The aims of the treatment are to get rid of visible warts and reduce the amount of virus.

Applying salicylic acid. You can treat warts on places such as the hands, feet or knees by putting salicylic acid (one brand name: Compound W) on the warts. To get good results, you must apply the acid every day for many weeks. After you take a bath or shower, pat your skin dry lightly with a towel. Then put salicylic acid on your warts. The acid sinks in deeper and works better when it is applied to damp skin. Before you take a shower or a bath the next day, use an emery board or pumice stone to file away the dead surface of the warts.

Podofilox (Condylox) is one such chemical which comes in gel or lotion form, and can be applied by an applicator that comes with the medicine. If the solution gets on non-infected skin it can cause severe irritation, wash it off immediately. Never use this product for more than three days a week, for four treatment cycles. If your genital warts are still sticking around after this, go back to your doctor for a stronger solution.