Genital warts are a common skin condition caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), appearing in and around the genital and anal areas. Individuals often wonder which medical professional is best suited for diagnosis and treatment. Dermatologists, specialists in skin conditions, are well-equipped to manage genital warts.
Dermatologists’ Expertise
Dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. Their training includes identifying various skin lesions, including those caused by HPV. Their specialized knowledge allows them to accurately diagnose genital warts, distinguishing them from other similar skin growths, such as moles or skin tags.
Dermatologists typically diagnose genital warts through visual examination. If diagnosis is uncertain, they may perform a biopsy to confirm HPV presence. They perform in-office procedures and prescribe medications, ensuring comprehensive care.
Available Treatments
Dermatologists offer various treatment options, including in-office procedures and topical medications for at-home use. Cryotherapy, a common in-office procedure, uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy wart tissue. This method may require several sessions.
Electrosurgery, or electrocautery, uses an electric current to burn off warts. Surgical excision involves physically cutting away warts, often under local anesthesia. Laser therapy uses focused light to destroy warts, often for extensive or difficult-to-treat lesions.
Topical medications are frequently prescribed for at-home application. Imiquimod cream boosts the body’s immune response against the virus. Podofilox prevents wart cell growth, while trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemically burns off warts. Sinecatechins, derived from green tea extract, is an ointment for external genital and anal warts. Over-the-counter wart removers are not suitable for genital warts and should not be used in this sensitive area.
Consulting Other Specialists
While dermatologists are well-suited to treat genital warts, other healthcare providers also offer effective management. General practitioners (GPs) can diagnose and treat genital warts, often serving as the initial point of contact. They manage straightforward cases or refer to specialists.
For women, gynecologists diagnose and treat genital warts, especially if located internally. They perform pelvic exams and may conduct Pap tests for HPV-associated cervical changes. Urologists may be consulted by men, particularly if warts are in the urethra or require specialized urological intervention. The choice of specialist depends on factors like wart location, patient comfort, or existing healthcare relationships.