Diagnosis and Comprehensive Management of HPV-Related Skin and Genital Warts
Warts (verrucae) are benign skin or mucosal growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though harmless, they can lead to discomfort, itching, or aesthetic concerns. In Ataşehir, one of Istanbul’s leading medical and residential districts, modern dermatology and gynecology clinics offer scientifically proven, personalized wart treatment based on the latest international guidelines.
For information and appointments in Ataşehir: +90 541 998 34 34
Understanding Warts and HPV
HPV is a highly contagious virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or shared surfaces. It penetrates tiny cuts in the skin, infecting basal cells and triggering excessive growth, which appears as warts. More than 150 HPV types exist, some affecting only the skin, while others target the genital area.
In Ataşehir, clinics see patients with both cutaneous (hand, foot, facial) and genital warts, offering safe and effective management with minimal recurrence and maximum cosmetic satisfaction.
Common Types of Warts
Common warts (Verruca vulgaris): Rough, raised papules often found on fingers or hands.
Plantar warts (Verruca plantaris): Thick, painful lesions on the soles of the feet, frequently mistaken for calluses.
Flat warts (Verruca plana): Smooth, flat lesions common on the face, arms, or legs.
Genital warts (Condyloma acuminata): Soft, fleshy growths caused by sexually transmitted HPV types (mainly HPV 6 and 11).
Subungual and periungual warts: Appear around or under nails and can be challenging to remove.
Diagnosis and Evaluation in Ataşehir Clinics
Diagnosis is usually clinical. Experienced dermatologists and gynecologists in Ataşehir can identify warts based on appearance, texture, and site. When necessary, additional diagnostic tools confirm HPV infection and exclude other conditions.
Diagnostic Techniques
Dermoscopy: Reveals vascular dots or bleeding points typical of warts.
Acetic acid test (3–5%): Commonly used to detect genital warts, turning infected areas white.
Biopsy: Conducted for resistant, atypical, or pigmented lesions to exclude malignancy.
HPV DNA testing: Occasionally performed for genital warts or abnormal Pap smears.
Additional Evaluations
In genital wart cases, doctors may recommend:
-
Pap smear and colposcopy for cervical screening.
-
STI tests (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia) for recurrent infections.
-
Immune evaluation if warts are numerous or resistant.
Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate therapy, better outcomes, and reduced recurrence.
Treatment Goals and Principles
The main objectives are to remove visible lesions, relieve discomfort, prevent recurrence, and improve skin appearance. As HPV may remain latent, comprehensive and often combination therapy is key.
Clinics in Ataşehir follow international protocols from UpToDate, CDC, and European IUSTI, ensuring scientific accuracy and safety.
Topical and Non-Surgical Treatments
1. Salicylic Acid
A keratolytic that dissolves infected skin layers. Applied daily after soaking and gentle filing. Useful for common and plantar warts. Safe, affordable, and available over the counter. Improvement occurs within several weeks.
2. Imiquimod 5% Cream
An immune-stimulating agent that enhances the body’s ability to fight HPV. Applied three nights weekly before bed and washed off in the morning. Used primarily for genital and perianal warts. Redness and mild irritation indicate immune activity.
3. Podofilox (Podophyllotoxin)
A cytotoxic topical solution that destroys wart tissue. Applied twice daily for three days, followed by four rest days; cycles can be repeated. Not used during pregnancy. Effective for small external genital warts.
4. Sinecatechins 15% Ointment
Derived from green tea extract, it offers antiviral and antioxidant benefits. Applied three times daily until clearance (up to 16 weeks). Suitable for genital warts, safe, and well tolerated.
5. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
A chemical cauterant applied by the doctor weekly until resolution. Safe during pregnancy and for mucosal surfaces. Commonly used in Ataşehir gynecology clinics for genital and anal lesions.
6. Other Topical Options
-
Tretinoin: For facial flat warts.
-
5-Fluorouracil: For thick plantar or subungual lesions.
-
Zinc or cimetidine: Immune support options for recurrent cases.
In-Clinic and Surgical Treatments in Ataşehir
For resistant, large, or symptomatic warts, in-office procedures provide quick and lasting results. Ataşehir clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art devices for safe removal under sterile conditions.
1. Cryotherapy
The most frequently performed wart removal method. Liquid nitrogen freezes and destroys infected tissue. Usually repeated every 2–3 weeks. Temporary redness or blistering is common. High success rate (70–90%) and low recurrence when done professionally.
2. Electrocautery
Uses electric current to burn and eliminate wart tissue. Effective for stubborn or clustered warts. Performed under local anesthesia. Healing occurs within days. Requires wound care to prevent scarring.
3. Laser Therapy (CO₂ or Pulsed Dye Laser)
A precision technique using laser energy to vaporize infected tissue with minimal bleeding. Ideal for genital, plantar, or facial warts. Ataşehir’s modern dermatology centers use CO₂ laser devices with excellent cosmetic results and quick recovery.
4. Surgical Excision / Curettage
Involves physically removing warts under local anesthesia, sometimes followed by electrocautery. Recommended for large or isolated lesions. Immediate removal and low recurrence when performed by specialists.
5. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Combines a photosensitizing chemical with special light exposure to destroy wart cells. Minimally invasive and effective for multiple or flat warts. Offered at selected advanced dermatology clinics in Ataşehir.
6. Immunotherapy
Stimulates the body’s immune system to clear HPV. Involves injecting antigens (Candida or MMR vaccine) into the wart to induce systemic immune response. Effective for recurrent or resistant cases.
Genital Wart Management in Ataşehir
Genital warts, caused mainly by HPV 6 and 11, are among the most common sexually transmitted infections. Clinics in Ataşehir provide confidential and professional care following the latest CDC and European IUSTI standards.
Therapeutic Approaches
Patient-applied: Imiquimod, Podofilox, Sinecatechins.
Physician-applied: Cryotherapy, TCA, Electrocautery, Laser.
Surgical: Excision for large or recurrent lesions.
Counseling and Prevention
-
Wart removal eliminates visible lesions but not underlying HPV.
-
Condom use reduces, but does not fully prevent, transmission.
-
HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9) is recommended for both women and men.
-
Regular Pap smear and HPV testing are essential for women.
-
Partner evaluation and education are part of comprehensive care.
Special Considerations
Pregnancy
-
Avoid podophyllin, podofilox, and imiquimod.
-
Safe options: Cryotherapy and TCA.
-
Cesarean delivery may be considered if large warts obstruct the birth canal.
Immunocompromised Patients
-
Often present with multiple, resistant lesions.
-
Require combination therapy (destructive and immune-based).
-
Regular follow-up to monitor for recurrence is essential.
Children
-
Warts often resolve spontaneously.
-
Non-invasive methods like salicylic acid or cryotherapy are preferred.
-
Aggressive techniques are avoided to prevent scarring.
Prognosis and Recurrence
Recurrence is common, occurring in up to 40% of cases. HPV may persist in nearby tissue even after removal. Immune health, complete treatment cycles, and hygiene practices play major roles in preventing relapse.
Most patients in Ataşehir achieve full recovery after a combination of topical and in-clinic treatments, supported by proper aftercare.
Prevention and Lifestyle Measures
-
Avoid direct contact with warts and scratching infected areas.
-
Do not share personal items such as towels, shoes, or razors.
-
Maintain clean and dry skin, especially in humid conditions.
-
Use condoms during sexual activity and consider HPV vaccination.
-
Support immune health through balanced nutrition, sleep, and stress management.
-
Schedule regular dermatology or gynecology visits in Ataşehir clinics.
Evidence-Based Summary
-
Warts result from HPV infection and can occur anywhere on the skin or mucosa.
-
Salicylic acid and cryotherapy are first-line options.
-
Imiquimod, TCA, and laser therapy are effective for genital lesions.
-
Photodynamic and immunotherapy benefit resistant cases.
-
Combination therapy offers superior outcomes.
-
HPV vaccination prevents recurrence and new infections.
-
Ataşehir clinics follow UpToDate, CDC, and IUSTI guidelines to ensure evidence-based care.
Comprehensive Wart Treatment in Ataşehir, Istanbul
Ataşehir hosts highly equipped dermatology and gynecology centers that specialize in HPV-related wart management. Clinics feature modern laser systems, cryotherapy devices, and trained specialists experienced in aesthetic outcomes.
International and local patients receive multilingual service, strict confidentiality, and personalized treatment plans. Whether dealing with hand, plantar, or genital warts, Ataşehir clinics provide the safest and most effective treatment in Istanbul’s Anatolian side.
For examination, diagnosis, and wart treatment in Ataşehir: +90 541 998 34 34
Şunları da incelemek isteyebilirsiniz https://www.sezgindursun.com/atasehir-hpv-testi/
https://www.sezgindursun.com/atasehir-genital-sigil-tedavisi/