Genital warts are caused by two specific human papillomavirus (HPV) strains in over 90 percent of cases. The two HPV strains responsible for genital warts are HPV 11 and HPV 6. HPV and the resulting genital warts are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse. The warts caused by HPV are treatable by a doctor, and there are certain over-the-counter medications available, but the effectiveness of the medications is not proven.
Treatments
There are no prescription or non-prescription remedies available for HPV. Once you are infected, you remain infected for life unless your body clears up the infection on its own. Genital warts caused by HPV are treatable by removing the warts. The best treatments for this are available in a doctor's office. A LEEP procedure uses a metal loop to sever the warts from the skin, but cyrosurgery (freezing) and laser surgery are also available. These procedures are effective at removing the warts, and although there are a number of over-the-counter medications available, they may not be as effective as the procedures performed by physicians.
Dermisil
Dermisil is an over-the-counter genital wart medication available at both drug stores and over the Internet. It is a slow-acting medication that is designed to eliminate genital warts within 2 to 3 weeks. The directions suggest that you continue to apply Dermisil cream for up to 6 months in order to prevent further outbreaks of genital warts.
Condysil Gel
Condysil is another over-the-counter option for treating genital warts. This medication comes in gel form, and is available both over the Internet and in most drug stores. Anecdotal evidence suggests this gel is fast acting, and the manufacturer claims the gel removes warts without causing any pain, freezing or burning of the skin in the genital area. It should be applied directly to the warts twice daily.
Wartrol
Wartrol is another over-the-counter remedy for genital warts caused by HPV. According to Condyloma.org, it is a natural cure with a 97 percent rate of success. However, this success rate refers to a reduction in the outbreak of genital warts, and is not a cure rate. Wartrol does not purport to cure HPV or genital warts, just to prevent outbreaks and eliminate existing warts. The manufacturer suggests that Wartol be used for at least 3 months.
Risks
Standard over-the-counter medication that is used for warts on the hands or feet should not be used in the genital area, and may have dangerous side effects if applied to the sensitive skin in this area. Although some of the other over-the-counter medications designed specifically for genital warts may be effective, they are not a substitute for proper medical care. It is particularly important for women to get treatment for genital warts caused by HPV, because the same strain of HPV that causes genital warts is also responsible for cervical and vaginal cancers. Physicians should be aware of this health condition and adjust the frequency of pap smears in order to screen for pre-cancerous changes caused by HPV.
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