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Anal Warts - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Definition
Anal warts is also called Condylomata acuminata, which is a form of sexually transmitted disease (STD)in which small warts occur in or around the rectum. Warts are benign tumors of the epidermis.They are caused by virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV). Warts first appear as tiny blemishes, perhaps as small as the head of a pin and may grow larger than the size of a pea. They don't produce pain,so patient may be unaware of the disease.
They may also affect the skin of the genital area. They are usually transmitted from person to person by direct skin contact. It can affect both men and women.
Symptoms:
The main symptoms for anal warts may includes:-
- In many cases anal warts have no symptoms. Some patients may notice small growths in the anal area and some may feel minor itching or moisture in the anal area.
- They appear as bumps or growths which may be whitish or skin colored. They can be flat or raised, single or many, small or large.
- They are usually found in and around the anus and commonly group together in clusters.
- They can also become very itchy.
- Minor bleeding may also there occasionally resulting from anal sex or bowel movements.
- They are not usually painful unless there are allot of them, which can make bowel movements quite difficult.
Causes:
The possible causes of anal warts may includes:-
- Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The HPV is very contagious. The virus can be transmitted from person to person, almost always by direct contact.
- They can be sexually transmitted that infect the anal and genital areas. They usually spread from person to person by sexual contact.
- They can also spread from inanimate objects, such as a shared bath towel and other personal things.
- Some risk factors for developing anal warts are smoking ,use of oral contraceptives, having multiple sexual partners etc.
Treatment
- Anal warts can be treated, depending on the factors such as location, number, and size of the warts.
- If they are very small and are located only on the skin around the anus, they can be treated with medications, which are generally applied directly to the surface of the warts .
- for larger warts another form of treatment is used in which warts are rapidly destructed using surgery.
- Cauterization
- Laser surgery : This may also be a good option but generally not prescribed.
- When the warts are more extensive, a general anaesthetic or alternatively deep sedation given by an injection followed by a local anaesthetic into the anal area to make the treatment free from pain.
- Medication should be as prescribed by the doctor because reaction may damage normal skin in the vicinity.
The anal warts can be prevented by checking the following measures:
- There should be proper and regular checking of the sexual partners.
- Avoid sexual activities until treatment is completed.
- Use condoms because anal warts are highly contagious. Condoms may be helpfull in avoiding the disease.
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