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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
acetowhitening question
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
acetowhitening question
by acetowhite, Nov 15, 2006 12:00AM
Dear Doctor,
Under what condition(s) would genital warts not respond to acetowhitening (i.e., not turn white with acetic acid application)? I have read over previous threads regarding the "vinegar test," and understand that the consensus seems to be that it isn't very reliable. However, it also seems that the primary reason for this is that benign areas may respond to acetic acid application ("false positives"), not that potential warts won't turn white ("false positives"). So, in effect, acetowhitening highlights both warts and other benign areas, which explains the unreliability of the test.
Could you please shed some light on the subject?
Much thanks.
Under what condition(s) would genital warts not respond to acetowhitening (i.e., not turn white with acetic acid application)? I have read over previous threads regarding the "vinegar test," and understand that the consensus seems to be that it isn't very reliable. However, it also seems that the primary reason for this is that benign areas may respond to acetic acid application ("false positives"), not that potential warts won't turn white ("false positives"). So, in effect, acetowhitening highlights both warts and other benign areas, which explains the unreliability of the test.
Could you please shed some light on the subject?
Much thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 15, 2006 12:00AM
, Nov 15, 2006 12:00AM
I stopped using it so many years ago that I don't really have much light to shed. I wouldn't rely on it for the reasons you mention, wither pro or con. The proper way to diagnose warts is to have them examined, and in occasional cases, biopsied for confirmation.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
