Genital warts, referred to also as Veneral Warts or Condylomata Acumina are among the most common forms of disease that is sexually transmitted and it is highly contagious too. The disease is caused by some sub-types of human papilloma virus (HPV).

Genital warts are spread through direct skin-to-skin contact at the time of genital, oral or anal sex with an infected partner. Mostly occurring in clusters, genital warts can either by quite small in size or they may also spread into large masses. In men, they are visible on the shaft or tip of the penis, on the scrotum or around the anal area. In women they usually appear on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the opening to the womb or around the anus. Only in very rare occasions, genital warts are seen in the throat or mouth of someone practicing oral sex with an infected individual.

Studies have shown that during sexual activity, microscopic abrasions in the skin or mucosal surface of the genital area are invaded by the virus and once the cells are infected, a latency period starts which may continue for months to several years. Incidentally, HPV virus can last from a couple of months to two full years without providing any symptom. This streak of the virus makes it so very difficult to isolate.

Although some treatments like application of Trichloroacetic acid and Pulsed dye laser may be helpful in removing genital warts and genital warts pregnancy it is almost impossible to remove the virus. Some even had tried liquid nitrogen cryosurgery and electric laser cauterization which had similar effects. But luckily, in the last few years at least some medicines are showing that the symptoms of the disease can be largely controlled by their application.

New studies utilizing sensitive DNA techniques have established that the virus can be cleared through immunological response or at least brought down to levels below what PCR tests can measure. Some researchers also claim that effective treatment of the wart may help the body's own immune system.

In any case, people can always indulge in self-treatment by following a few simple instructions like:

• If the warts make you feel uncomfortable, take a warm bath, adding a handful of salt into it. • Keep away from perfumed soap, bath oils, bubble bath and lotions till treatment is over. • Try to keep the skin as dry as possible. • Tell the doctor if you are pregnant since the course of treatment will be different then. • There has been a link found between cervical cancer and the HPV infection that also triggers cancer of the vulva, cancer of the anus and penis cancer and so, the disease should not be neglected. • Though HPV does not always lead to cancer, but in women it is important because it has been seen that they are at a higher risk.

Though quite distressing really, but there is some good news in genital warts, particularly because of the new medicines that are bringing the symptoms of the ailments down quickly.