At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, our dermatologists are focused on treating skin issues of all magnitudes. When it comes to warts, we treat everything from a small wart on the hand to genital warts caused by HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Currently, approximately 20 million Americans aged 15 to 49 have HPV, while half of all sexually active people will contract genital warts in their lifetimes according to the Office on Women’s Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Genital warts can be uncomfortable to many people, causing itching, burning, discomfort, and undesirable appearance of the genitals. While there is no known cure for the HPV virus, genital warts are treatable. We strongly advise patients not to use over-the-counter medicines made for other types of warts. Rather, we encourage patients to consult a professional who can determine the best individual treatment route, such as certified physician’s assistant Delmer L. Henderson, who has been treating genital warts for over twenty five years within the military and has had extensive involvement for over a decade at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. We offer latest, most effective non-surgical and surgical procedures to address mild to severe genital wart outbreaks.

Topical wart treatments such as imiquimod, podophyllin, podofilox, destructive trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or Veregen® botanical ointment may be prescribed depending on the patient. For cases that do not respond to these methods alone, the Laser Institute of Georgia provides the latest laser treatment technologies for tackling problematic genital warts that may be more extensive.  The aforementioned topical treatments may also be used in combination with laser treatment for maximum results. Our treatments are safe for all patients, including pregnant women, who we advise to undergo genital wart treatment to decrease any risk of spreading genital warts to infants during childbirth. The precise technology of our lasers carefully destroys infected tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue and deeper dermal layers.

We also offer treatment in the forms of cryosurgery, electrocautery, and surgical excision. Cryosurgery is performed in-office with liquid nitrogen, which freezes the warts and induces the formation of blisters, allowing the existing dead skin to shed and new skin to form. In some cases, cryosurgery may require multiple treatments to completely remove the warts. Electrocautery uses an electrical current to burn away unwanted warts. For deeper, extensive involvement of wart removal, we work with colorectal surgeons and urologists when necessary.

If you choose not to opt for genital wart treatment, the warts will likely remain the same or increase in size or number. Generally, it is best to undergo treatment to reduce the symptoms of emotional distress and general discomfort. During a consultation, our board-certified providers will discuss the best treatment options available for you. If you seek treatment for genital warts, please contact us today to schedule a consultation to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan for you. For more information on the treatments we provide, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.