Genital warts are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on or around the region of a person’s organs, such as the penis, vagina, and anus. Genital warts can be spread through unprotected sex. However, this is not the only way the infection can spread from person to person, as they can also be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact.
There is no known cure for genital warts yet, but they can be treated through topical ointments or surgical procedures. However, it is vital to note that removing these warts do not eliminate the HPV virus from the body. With proper treatment, the virus may lie dormant within the human body, but there remains the possibility of it resurfacing again in the future. As such, these warts may return even after topical treatment or surgery.
A person infected with genital warts may experience discomfort, pain, and itching from these growths, which is why many opt to have them removed even if the effects are temporary. But, surgery alone is insufficient. Even after the procedure is completed, there are several aftercare instructions a person needs to follow to prevent the wounds from being infected. If you are also a patient that has undergone this wart removal procedure, let us share what you have to do after the surgery.
1. Always keep the wounds clean and dry
The most important thing you need to do after surgery is to keep the wounds clean and dry. After the wart removal procedure, you may still experience itchiness and irritation in the wound areas. You can still take warm baths or wash the wounds with warm water to alleviate the itchiness and irritation. Experts recommend doing this at least 3 to 4 times daily.
However, it is essential for you to keep the wounds clean and dry in between these baths. It is advisable to use a hairdryer to dry the affected areas instead of a towel, as it may be unclean, leading to the wounds getting infected. Additionally, you should avoid touching the scars with your bare hands as they may still be bleeding after the surgery. If you accidentally do so, wash your hands immediately as HPV can spread through contact with a patient’s infected blood.
2. Do not scratch the wound
As mentioned, it is common to experience irritation and soreness after a wart removal procedure. However, you should avoid touching and scratching the wounds. When you scratch the affected areas, you might cause the wounds to bleed, thus contaminating your hands. This can lead to you spreading the infection to other parts of your body unknowingly. Instead, consider applying an ice pack on the affected areas to relieve the pain. Alternatively, you can consider taking over-the-counter pain medications if the wounds continue to hurt.
3. Avoid sex after the surgery
Experts recommend abstaining from sex for at least two weeks to allow your skin to heal from the surgery, as the friction generated from skin-to-skin contact can prevent the wounds from healing properly.
Moreover, it is vital to remember that the HPV virus still resides within your body, so it is still possible for you to spread the virus to your partner. Therefore, you should always remember to use a condom during sex to avoid exposing others to this disease.
Conclusion
Observing your aftercare treatment instructions following a wart removal is essential to reduce the chances of your genital warts resurfacing. Doing so also prevents the possibility of further infection. Therefore, we recommend following these instructions to the letter to ensure your treatment is effective.
If you discover genital warts developing all over your body, you should seek treatment from a reliable STD clinic in Singapore immediately. At Elyon Clinic, we can help you with your sexual health concerns. Do not hesitate to call us at 6802 7208 to book an appointment today!
