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I Have Approximately 10 Small (1mm) Warts On My Public
Question: I have approximately 10 small (1mm) warts on my public area. Photos are attached.
Some are on the shaft of my penis, but most are on the area around the pubic bone. There are two larger ones (which are the subjects of the pictures). Each has a characteristic cauliflower appearance and is a bit wider, while the other protrudes a bit farther from the skin that the others, which otherwise appear to be bumps.
I went to a STI clinic and was prescribed a course of Aldara. I was compliant with the instructions. I never got the irritation or redness that seemed to commonly associated with the cream. After several months, there was no reduction in size or number of lesions. I can say the they haven't grown or increased in number either.
If I did not shave my public area, I probably would not notice them at all. I'm also cognizant of the fact that accidentally cutting one of lesions while shaving could spread the virus.
Regardless, I would like to request some feedback on where to go from here. These warts are quite small, but are numerous (~10). I am uncomfortable with seeing my typical dermatologist for this. It's an embarrassing issue, common as it may be.
What are my options? What can I try at home?
Secondarily, as a sexually active 33 year old male (who obviously already has at least one strain of HPV), is there any value at all in paying for Gardasil?
Some are on the shaft of my penis, but most are on the area around the pubic bone. There are two larger ones (which are the subjects of the pictures). Each has a characteristic cauliflower appearance and is a bit wider, while the other protrudes a bit farther from the skin that the others, which otherwise appear to be bumps.
I went to a STI clinic and was prescribed a course of Aldara. I was compliant with the instructions. I never got the irritation or redness that seemed to commonly associated with the cream. After several months, there was no reduction in size or number of lesions. I can say the they haven't grown or increased in number either.
If I did not shave my public area, I probably would not notice them at all. I'm also cognizant of the fact that accidentally cutting one of lesions while shaving could spread the virus.
Regardless, I would like to request some feedback on where to go from here. These warts are quite small, but are numerous (~10). I am uncomfortable with seeing my typical dermatologist for this. It's an embarrassing issue, common as it may be.
What are my options? What can I try at home?
Secondarily, as a sexually active 33 year old male (who obviously already has at least one strain of HPV), is there any value at all in paying for Gardasil?
Brief Answer:
Regarding genital warts
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If Aldara (imiquimod) had already been tried the next best option would be to either remove them with a cautery machine or a laser. I would personally recommend these to you. Other alternatives are chemical cauterization with TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) or cryotherapy or podophyllin application. Unfortunately none of these are home remedies although you can ask for a prescription of podophyllin gel from your doctor. Electrocautery and Laser are doctor administered. Gardasil is protective against cancer causing HPV types i.e HPV type 16, 18, 31, 33 whereas most of genital warts (>90%) are either HPV type 6 and 11 which do not cause cancer. So you can still consider the vaccine.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Regarding genital warts
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If Aldara (imiquimod) had already been tried the next best option would be to either remove them with a cautery machine or a laser. I would personally recommend these to you. Other alternatives are chemical cauterization with TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) or cryotherapy or podophyllin application. Unfortunately none of these are home remedies although you can ask for a prescription of podophyllin gel from your doctor. Electrocautery and Laser are doctor administered. Gardasil is protective against cancer causing HPV types i.e HPV type 16, 18, 31, 33 whereas most of genital warts (>90%) are either HPV type 6 and 11 which do not cause cancer. So you can still consider the vaccine.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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