Genital Wart
Genital warts, also known as condyloma acuminatum or venereal warts, are caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV.
It is estimated that around 20 million Americans are infected with HPV. Each year, one million new cases of genital warts are diagnosed.
Genital warts are commonly seen in young, sexually active adults and are usually associated to early onset of sexual activity and multiple sexual partners.
Genital warts are transmitted through all types of sexual contact – vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex. Most infected individuals do not demonstrate HPV symptoms.
Symptomatic females usually exhibit single or multiple painless, cauliflower-like growths in the vagina, cervix and in the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and anus.
Symptomatic males report genital warts in the penis, urethra and anus. Symptoms usually occur six weeks to eight months after exposure to the virus.
The most dangerous complication of genital warts is the development of cervical cancer.
More than 90% of cervical cancers contain the DNA of several subtypes of HPV. HPV increases the risk of vaginal, vulvular, penile and anal cancers.
Natural Cures for a Genital Wart:
Warm Sitz Baths:
Taking a warm sitz bath is an effective home remedy to get rid of pain and itching caused by genital warts.
Fill in your tub with a few inches of warm water, and sit inside the tub for 10 to 15 minutes to achieve immediate relief.
Pouring warm water over the affected area may also relieve the symptoms.
Vitamin E:
Direct application of oil containing vitamin E around the genital warts results in relief of symptoms.
It is also recommended to take 400 IU of vitamin E orally each day to strengthen your immune system.
Garlic:
Garlic is a good natural cure for genital warts.
Crush a clove of garlic and directly apply it on the genital wart.
Cover the affected area with a bandage, and leave it in place for 24 hours. Before initiating this treatment, make sure that the lesion is a genital wart, and not some other type of growth.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is one of the oldest home remedies for genital warts.
Soak the affected area in warm water for 20 minutes. Dry thoroughly.
Using a cotton ball, apply apple cider vinegar (full strength) directly on the genital warts, and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Wash the area with tepid water, and dry.
Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil contains a number of healing and protective properties, making it an effective home remedy for different diseases.
Tea tree oil is an effective anti-viral agent that protects the body from the damaging effects of virus.
Tea tree oil is also an immuno-stimulant, which increases the strength and efficiency of the immune system to fight off infections.
Apply three to five drops to your bath water to manage skin infections.
