Popular HPV Treatment Options

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent infection that affects around one in every four people in the United States.

The virus, which transmits by skin-to-skin or other intimate contact (such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex), frequently disappears on its own. Certain strains, however, have been linked to cervical cancer.

Currently, there is no cure for HPV, although its symptoms can be managed. Here are some HPV treatments:

Natural remediesActive hexose correlated compound (AHCC)

Preliminary research and clinical studies indicate that a shiitake mushroom extract, also known as an active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), may cure HPV. To improve immunity, AHCC is frequently combined with other nutritional substances. However, natural cures for HPV, such as this one, require more research.

Folate (vitamin B9)

Folate is a nutrient that is frequently connected with cervical health. It largely aids in the formation and repair of DNA as well as the production of red blood cells (RBCs). You receive adequate folate from your diet, most usually found in dark green leafy vegetables.

Folate and vitamin B12 were discovered to be crucial in lowering the risk of getting a strain of HPV (HPV 16) and an associated form of cervical precancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN).

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has many bodily functions, but it is most well-known for aiding the immune system. An existing HPV infection may be reduced by vitamin C. It may help slow the progression of CIN and cervical cancer.

Overall, further study is needed on natural HPV treatments. However, there are other methods for HPV treatment.

Medical HPV treatment options

Although there is no cure for HPV, treatments are available for the health issues it could cause.

Many warts will go away on their own, but if you don't want to wait, you can get them removed using the following treatments and products:

• luster therapy
• cryotherapy, or freezing and removing the tissue
• Topical creams or solutions
• surgery

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for wart eradication. The optimal treatment option for you will be determined by various factors, including the size, number, and location of your warts.

Treatments for genital warts

OTC medications should not be used to treat genital warts. A doctor may advise, depending on the type and location of the wart:

• Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen.
• Electrocautery is a procedure that uses electrical currents to burn away warts.
• Laser or light treatment includes using a focused beam to eliminate undesirable tissue.
• Surgical removal.

Treatment for common warts

Common warts can be treated with over-the-counter salicylic acid medications. However, do not use these products on genital warts. Surgical intervention may be required depending on the wart.

A doctor may prescribe one of the following drugs to treat common warts:

• podophyllin
• imiquimod (like Aldara or Zyclara)
• trichloroacetic acid
• podofliox (like Condylox)

Treatments for flat warts

Flat warts typically go away independently, but you may seek treatment to hasten the process.

If you treat your flat warts, your doctor may advise you to use a topical medication. These creams irritate the skin and cause it to peel, which removes warts. Prescription creams may contain the following ingredients:

• 0.05 percent retinoic acid cream - Tretinoin (AVITA, Refissa, Retin-A, Tretin-X) .
• Imiquimod cream 5% (Aldara, Zyclara).
• Topical 5-fluorouracil cream, 1% or 5% (Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex, Tolak).

Treatments for oropharyngeal warts

Without treatment, oropharyngeal warts, or warts on your tongue, will fade over time. However, depending on the severity of the wart, this could take months or years.

If you wish to hasten the healing process, consult your doctor, dentist, or dermatologist about treatment options for persistent warts. Cryotherapy or electrosurgery are two options they may propose.