Anal Warts - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Anal warts is also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminata. This is the skin disease in which external symptoms of infection are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a family of viruses with more than 100 strains, the symptoms of which include anal warts, genital warts, common warts on hands, and plantar warts on feet. According to a report of The American Social Health Association (ASHA), more than 20 million Americans are caused by this disease. And also 5.5 million are increasing every year making it most prevalent and rapidly spreading sexually transmitted disease in the country.

They can also spread from inanimate objects, such as a shared bath towel. Approximately two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner with genital warts will develop warts, usually within three months of contact.

Anal Warts Causes

1. Sexually transmitted infections: this is the most common type of causing this infection. Sexually transmitted proctitis is caused through anal or oral-anal intercourse.
2. Non-sexually transmitted bacterial infections: this problem is rare in children but it can occur as a result of the same organism that causes strep throat. Some viruses which are key factor in causing this problem are Salmonella, shigella and campylobacter
3. Some risk factors in development of this disease are smoking, using oral contraceptives or having multiple sexual partners. There are lots of chances in which the problem may occur.

Anal Warts Symptoms

1. An anal wart is the disease in which there are bumps or growth that appear in and around the vagina (women’s sexual organ) or anus or on the cervix in females.
2. This problem also occurs in men too. The bumps or growth may be on or around the penis (men’s sexual organ), scrotum, groin, or thigh.
3. There is a itching or burning around the sex organ.
4. The bumps are generally flesh colored and painless.
5. The bumps can be cluster together to form a cauliflower like shape.
6. Painless growths in either sex usually on damp or moist surfaces of the body beginning as tiny, soft pink or red spots.
7. The warts can be so small that the only way to see them is through an examination by a health care provider.

Anal Warts Treatment

1. According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, the treatment of all genital warts, including anal warts, should be conducted according to the methods preferred by the patient, the medications or procedures most readily available, and the experience of the patient's physician in removing anal warts.
2. These warts should always be treated by a physician, and never with over-the-counter solutions used to treat other warts. A dermatologist may treat genital warts with acid applications such as bichloracetic acid or trichloroacetic acid or prescription medicines such as podofilox gel.
3. These warts can also be removes by surgery. But the surgery should be done by a trained practitioner. Some techniques are excision electrosurgery, cryotherapy and laser surgery.
4. Sometimes more than one treatment may be needed so that virus spreading may be prevented.