Diagnosis and Advanced Management of Skin and Genital Warts Caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Warts (verrucae) are benign growths of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While harmless, they can cause discomfort, itching, pain, or aesthetic concern, and are highly contagious through direct or indirect contact. In Turkey, dermatology and gynecology clinics offer modern, evidence-based, and internationally approved treatments for all types of warts, using advanced technology and individualized medical care.

WART TREATMENT
For information and appointments in Turkey: +90 541 998 34 34

Understanding Warts and HPV

HPV infects the skin or mucous membranes through microscopic cuts or abrasions, leading to rapid cell proliferation and wart formation. There are more than 150 types of HPV, each associated with different regions of the body. Some infections disappear spontaneously, while others require medical intervention.
Clinics across Turkey provide specialized care for cutaneous warts (hands, feet, face, nails) and genital warts, ensuring safe, fast, and effective outcomes.

Common Types of Warts

Common warts (Verruca vulgaris): Rough, raised bumps on the hands, fingers, or knees.
Plantar warts (Verruca plantaris): Hard, painful lesions on the soles of the feet.
Flat warts (Verruca plana): Smooth, slightly elevated papules on the face, arms, or legs.
Genital warts (Condyloma acuminata): Soft, skin-colored growths on the genital or anal area, transmitted sexually.
Subungual and periungual warts: Appear around or under the nails and are often treatment-resistant.

Diagnosis of Warts in Turkey

The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on appearance and texture. However, clinics in Turkey use modern diagnostic tools to ensure accuracy and to distinguish warts from similar-looking lesions such as calluses or skin cancers.

Diagnostic Methods

Dermoscopy: Non-invasive visualization of vascular dots and thrombosed capillaries typical of warts.
Acetic acid test (3–5%): Used for genital warts; infected areas turn white when exposed.
Biopsy: Conducted for persistent, atypical, or resistant lesions to rule out malignancy.
HPV DNA testing: Recommended for genital warts and as part of cervical cancer screening in women.

Additional Evaluations

  • Pap smear and colposcopy for women with genital lesions.

  • HIV and STI testing for recurrent or multiple warts.

  • Immune system assessment for patients with widespread or chronic HPV infections.

The accurate diagnosis offered in Turkish clinics ensures effective, tailored treatment plans and better long-term outcomes.

Goals and Principles of Treatment

The goals of wart treatment are to eliminate visible lesions, relieve discomfort, prevent recurrence, and preserve healthy skin. Because HPV can remain dormant in surrounding tissues, a combination therapy approach is often used.
Clinics in Turkey follow global treatment protocols based on UpToDate, CDC, and IUSTI Europe guidelines, ensuring that all treatments are scientifically validated and safe.

Topical and Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Salicylic Acid

A keratolytic solution that removes infected skin layers and stimulates local immune response. It is the first-line therapy for most common and plantar warts. Applied daily after soaking and gentle filing of the skin. Safe, effective, and widely available in Turkish pharmacies.

2. Imiquimod (5% Cream)

An immune-response modifier that enhances cytokine production and helps the body eliminate HPV-infected cells. Applied three nights per week before bedtime and washed off after 6–10 hours. Primarily used for genital and perianal warts. Mild redness or irritation is a normal reaction.

3. Podofilox (Podophyllotoxin)

A cytotoxic agent for small external genital warts. Applied twice daily for three consecutive days, followed by four days of rest. Not recommended during pregnancy.

4. Sinecatechins (15% Ointment)

An ointment derived from green tea extract with antiviral and antioxidant properties. Applied three times a day for up to 16 weeks. Gentle, effective, and safe for both men and women.

5. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

A physician-applied treatment that chemically cauterizes infected tissue. Safe during pregnancy and effective for genital or anal areas. Usually performed weekly until full clearance.

6. Other Topical Options

  • Tretinoin: For flat warts, especially on the face.

  • 5-Fluorouracil: Used for resistant plantar or periungual warts.

  • Zinc or cimetidine supplements: Help support immune function and reduce recurrence.

Clinical and Surgical Treatments in Turkey

For large, persistent, or painful warts, in-office procedures provide faster and more effective results. Clinics in Turkey are equipped with advanced medical technology and experienced dermatologists and gynecologists.

1. Cryotherapy

Freezes wart tissue using liquid nitrogen, destroying infected cells and triggering an immune response. Performed every 2–3 weeks for several sessions. Temporary pain, redness, or blistering may occur. Success rate: up to 90%.

2. Electrocautery

Removes wart tissue using controlled electrical current. Provides immediate results and minimal bleeding. Conducted under local anesthesia and followed by proper wound care to prevent infection.

3. Laser Therapy (CO₂ or Pulsed Dye Laser)

A highly precise and modern procedure that vaporizes wart tissue while preserving surrounding skin. Effective for genital, facial, or plantar warts. CO₂ laser systems used in Turkish clinics offer rapid healing and excellent cosmetic results.

4. Surgical Excision or Curettage

Involves physical removal of the wart under local anesthesia. Ideal for isolated or resistant lesions. Often combined with electrocautery to prevent recurrence. Healing occurs within 7–10 days.

5. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Combines a photosensitizing agent with targeted light exposure to selectively destroy HPV-infected cells. Especially useful for multiple or recurrent lesions. Available in advanced dermatology centers across Turkey.

6. Immunotherapy

Stimulates the body’s immune system to fight HPV by injecting antigens (e.g., Candida or MMR vaccine) directly into the wart. Effective in chronic or resistant cases. Safe and gaining popularity in Turkey’s top dermatology clinics.

Genital Wart Treatment in Turkey

Genital warts are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused mainly by HPV types 6 and 11. Clinics in Turkey offer confidential, evidence-based, and compassionate care for both men and women.

Treatment Options

Patient-applied: Imiquimod, Podofilox, Sinecatechins.
Clinician-applied: Cryotherapy, TCA, Electrocautery, Laser therapy.
Surgical: Excision for large or extensive lesions.

Patient Counseling

  • Treatment removes visible lesions but does not eliminate the virus.

  • Condom use reduces transmission risk but does not fully prevent infection.

  • HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9) is strongly recommended for both sexes.

  • Women should undergo regular Pap smears and HPV testing.

  • Partner evaluation and education are essential for prevention.

Special Considerations

Pregnancy

  • Avoid podophyllin, podofilox, and imiquimod.

  • Safe treatments include Cryotherapy and TCA.

  • Cesarean delivery may be considered for large obstructive genital warts.

Immunocompromised Patients

  • Warts tend to be larger and more resistant.

  • Combination therapies with immune support are often required.

  • Continuous follow-up is essential for control.

Children

  • Many warts resolve spontaneously.

  • Gentle options such as salicylic acid or cryotherapy are preferred.

  • Aggressive treatments are avoided to prevent scarring.

Prognosis and Recurrence

Recurrence occurs in 20–40% of cases, depending on immune status and treatment adherence.
Most patients treated in Turkey achieve full clearance and excellent cosmetic outcomes. Regular follow-up and immune strengthening reduce the chance of relapse.

Prevention and Self-Care

  • Avoid direct contact with warts.

  • Do not share towels, razors, or shoes.

  • Maintain good hygiene and keep skin dry.

  • Practice safe sex and consider HPV vaccination.

  • Eat a balanced diet, reduce stress, and sleep adequately.

  • Schedule regular dermatology and gynecology check-ups in Turkey.

Evidence-Based Summary

  • Warts are caused by localized HPV infection.

  • Salicylic acid and cryotherapy are first-line therapies.

  • Imiquimod, TCA, and laser therapy are effective for genital lesions.

  • Photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy work well in resistant cases.

  • Combination therapy offers better results and lower recurrence rates.

  • HPV vaccination is the best preventive measure.

  • Turkish clinics follow UpToDate, CDC, and IUSTI Europe standards.

Comprehensive Wart Treatment in Turkey

Turkey is a leader in modern dermatology and gynecology care, with state-of-the-art clinics in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir. Patients from all over the world choose Turkey for affordable, high-quality, and confidential wart treatment, guided by skilled medical professionals using cutting-edge technology.
Whether for simple skin warts or extensive genital HPV infections, Turkish specialists provide expert care and long-term solutions with excellent aesthetic outcomes.
For examination, diagnosis, and wart treatment in Turkey: +90 541 998 34 34

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