Any treatments for refractory genital warts

[HEM75]

I have had genital warts for over a year. I can trace my aquisition of HPV to an encounter 2 months before my first outbreak.  I have had all visible warts frozen off 8-9 times this past year and they keep coming back.  I have completed 2 courses of therapy on Aldara and that just seemed to make the warts grow faster. I have used salicylic acid, 4 weeks of duct tape occulsion therapy and have started regularly taking echinacea to boost my immune system.  The duct tape therapy seemed to slow/stop growth but did not get rid of existing lesions.  The exiting warts seem to keep growing and new one keep popping up no matter what I do. I am becoming very concerned as I seem to be developing scars from all the treatments.
Are the any other therapies for me to try?
Would steroid creams be useful?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For small warts several medications(like podophyllum resin, Podofilox (Condylox), Trichloroacetic and bichloroacetic acids, Imiquimod 5% cream and interferons) are available, which can be applied directly to the surface of the warts.Other treatment options include electrical cautery, surgical removal, Carbon dioxide laser treatment and electrodesiccation.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Amie635]

You have probably heard this before but the body really is the best healer. If treatments aren't working I would suggest you do all you can to remain stress free and healthy. Work out, eat fruit and vegetables, take vitamin supplements etc. Most people are healed within 6 months, however with some cases it takes 2 years, it may just be that you need longer to heal than the majority.