Q. What could be the cause for the presence of whitish bumps on my vaginal and anal areas?

Hello,

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As per the history and image provided (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), they appear to be genital warts. Genital warts are basically lesions formed due to viral infection caused by HPV or human papillomavirus. Genital warts are caused due to multiple factors including being transmitted sexually via vaginal and anal sexual activities, due to sharing of belongings with an infected person, due to lowered immunity, and due to skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. They present as bumps, filiform lesions, and cauliflower-shaped lesions which may be white, skin-colored, or dark in color most commonly seen among the skin and mucosal surfaces of private areas including vaginal and anal orifices and the skin surrounding them. They may be asymptomatic and sometimes may cause itching, discomfort, pain, irritation, inflammation, and so on. They are not life-threatening, however, they may spread if left untreated and have a characteristic of recurrence in the future which may be managed when they do appear. There are medical as well are procedures that may be done to get rid of them. They do not usually require a test to diagnose as they are usually clinically diagnosed from appearance. But may also be confirmed by performing a biopsy of the lesion.

My advice:

Consult your specialist doctor, talk to them, and take medications with their consent.

1. A tablet of Zinc acetate 50 mg twice daily in the morning and at night after food for one month.

2. Electrocautery is a surgical procedure done by a dermatologist where the lesions as gently burned and later on heal. For this procedure, or for cryotherapy where the lesions are frozen and eventually, fall off and heal, you may need to consult with a dermatologist in person.

3. Avoid unprotected sex, notify your sexual partner, if any, about the same, and do advise them to get treated as well in case of any lesions.

4. Kindly consult a doctor in person for HPV vaccination to prevent reinfections with a different strain.

5. Apart from the above treatments, Aldara (Imiquimod) 5 % cream may also be used. This cream is very strong and may cause skin irritation as well and is therefore avoided in the skin which is too sensitive. The procedures mentioned above for removal of them is the best method as compared to the usage of this cream. However, in the case of using this medication, apply Vaseline around the lesions to prevent the cream from touching the unaffected skin areas. Apply the cream in the smallest quantity possible on the lesion alone, at night three times a week only (Monday, Thursday, and Saturday).

They may cause stinging, irritation, and redness. In the morning wash the area well. Avoid the cream from getting in contact with unaffected skin, fingers, and other parts of your body. Make sure to wear gloves while applying. This cream is very strong and therefore it may be avoided in case of sensitive skin. This medication is not recommended in case of warts appearing too close to mucosal areas of genital parts or near sensitive areas. Genital warts may be recurrent and therefore taking adequate precautions is important.

6. Due to the nature of recurrences, to prevent them from developing make sure to have a balanced and healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins in order to strengthen immunity.

Medications may be helpful, however, they may take weeks to months for complete recovery. However, procedures would help with getting rid of them in a single session following which Zinc acetate may be taken and continued to help with preventing recurrence.

Hope I was able to provide clarity and that the details provided were informative.

Do not worry. Kindly follow the above advice for faster recovery.

Kindly revert back in case of further queries regarding the same.

Hope I could be of help. Stay happy, healthy, and safe. Take care and get well soon.

Thank you.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Experience: 8 + Yrs

Venereology

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