Genital Warts

1 medicine

Genital warts are soft skin growths on the genitals caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), treated with topical medicine or in-clinic removal procedures.

Aldara

Imiquimod

5%

Aldara is a skin care medication containing Imiquimod, available as 5% sachets.

from $10.13 / sachet View

Key facts

  • Genital warts are soft, flesh-coloured growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, anus, or surrounding area.
  • They're caused by certain low-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly types 6 and 11.
  • Imiquimod is the most widely used topical treatment; it stimulates the immune system to destroy wart tissue over several weeks.
  • Warts can recur after treatment because the underlying virus may persist in the skin.

How genital warts develop

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity, and can take weeks to months to produce visible warts after exposure. Many people carry the virus without ever developing a noticeable growth, while others develop soft, painless bumps that can appear singly or in clusters.

How genital warts are cleared

Warts don't clear on their own for everyone, but treatment can remove visible growths. Imiquimod, a cream used in skin care for HPV-related growths, stimulates the body's own immune response to destroy wart tissue and is applied directly to the affected area over several weeks. Consistent, correct application matters for getting results.

If warts are large, numerous, or in sensitive locations, a clinician can offer physical removal procedures such as cryotherapy (freezing) or surgical excision. Even after successful treatment, warts can recur because the underlying virus may persist in the skin around the treated area.

Reducing transmission

Condom use reduces, though doesn't eliminate, transmission risk, since HPV can spread from areas of skin a condom doesn't cover. Partners should be aware of the diagnosis, since HPV is highly transmissible even when no warts are visible.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if warts spread rapidly, bleed, or appear inside the vagina, urethra, or rectum. Anyone unsure whether a genital growth is a wart or something else should get it checked rather than self-treat.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.