Scars after acid treatment

Hi hoping you can help me out.  I have had HPV for 5+ years and recently had another outbreak.  I went to my new family doctor who recommended an acid treatment as Aldara and other topical treaments failed to work in the past.  The acid sure did work but caused nasty scabs which eventually went away, but now I have scars.  Some of the scars are toerable but there are two that are dark under the skin and recently when I was arroused it appeared as if blood collected under the skin as they turned dark purple.

It has been 1.5 months since the acid treatment.  Is there anything that can be done?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Recurrent genital warts aren't the usual outcome from HPV, but when it happens it can be a real hassle.  All the local treatments--acid, freezing, imiquimod (Aldara), podphyllin, podfilox (Condylox), and surgical removal--work only "pretty well"--better and some people than others, and with risk that warts will recur.  But properly used, none should cause permanent scarring; I wonder whether you left the acid on longer than recommended.

The best thing now is to see a dermatologist, both about the best treatment(s) for future recurrences and advice about the cosmetic effects.  Most likely the scars will fade with time, but a dermatologist would know for sure.

Good luck--  HHH, MD