I am confused by the freezing treatment. I didn't get a chance to take a lose look at the area (since the warts are so small) until now. All the freezing did was make the area turn darker and raise the warts a little bit. They are still the same size and shape, is this normal with the freezing process?
Thanks for the quick response! I don't understand the test then, but I will only be using dermatologists for this stuff from now on. Thank you again for your help.
The vinegar test is not very specific. I would believe the dermatologist. EWH
small update:
So, the person I was sent to was not a dermatologist, and he did do a vinegar test, and it did come back negative (the bumps did not turn white). So, I went to an actual dermatologist, and he immediately said they were warts and froze them off.
I am confused, I thought the vinegar test could give false positives, but not false negatives? I am sure that the dermatologist knew what he was doing, but I am just a little surprised by the diagnosis given the vinegar test results.
Yes, recurrence would typically occur in about the same place as the original lesions. EWH
If the recur, would they be in the same place?
Welcome to the Forum. What you describe sounds like warts but the dermatologist can tell you for sure. Condoms certainly reduce the risk for HPV, including warts but the protection is not perfect. HPV can be transmitted though genital contact prior to or after intercourse. In answer to your questions:
1. You are correct, the acetic acid/vinegar test is unreliable. On the other hand, an experienced dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis if these are typical genital warts without testing. Believe the dermatologist if he/she tell you that you have warts.
2. Yes, research suggests that, unlike other STDs which typically become apparent soon after sex, warts may take several months to occur. The time frame you describe would not be atypical for warts.
3. Treatment does eradicate warts with about a 70-80% success rate. those that fail treatment typically go away but then recur within a few weeks or months.
4. If your warts do not reappear after 3 months you are not at risk for recurrence and do not need to worry about spreading the infection to others.
I hope these comments are helpful. Have faith in the assessment an management offered by your dermatologist. EWH