Reliability of vinegar test for HPV

Several years ago, I was given an HPV test by my gynecologist to determine whether or not I had been exposed to any types of HPV.  The results were both good and bad.  I had (at some point) been exposed to types 6 and 11 and was checked using vinegar for any warts.  There were several tiny ones that turned white (about 5)and I had chemically removed by the doctor.  Now, seven years later, I am finding myself obsessing about whether or not I still have warts, and gave myself a home test with vinegar.  After applying it with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar, I noticed the skin to the bottom of my vulva, specifically the area around the hymen turning off white, and now I've upset myself horribly. I should note that my family doctor visually inspected my vulva (without using vinegar) at my last visit, and said he didn't see anything abnormal, and advised me not worry about it (probably good advice).  My question is, can normal vulvar skin turn off white with the application of vinegar, and also, if I had been exposed recently to HPV 6 or 11....can I be reinfected, or do I now have immunity to those types?

Your professional insight would be of great assistance to me, and I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Answers to your questions are:

1.
Application of 3-5% acetic acid enhances visualization of genital warts (appearance of white lesions) but this test is not specific enough to be considered as major diagnostic tool.

FYI – Vinegar usually contains higher concentrations of acetic acid plus other acids (in natural vinegars) and may cause irritation of skin and mucous membranes.  

2.
If you were diagnosed once with HPV infection, recurrence of lesions is common.


Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic