Venereal or genital warts are single or clusters of soft, cauliflower-like growths found in and around the vagina, anus, penis, groin, or scrotal areas. The human papilloma virus causes these warts. There are more than thirty-five types of HPV, and two have been associated with cancer of the cervix and genital area. These types of rough, bumpy growths can be found by the vaginal opening and labia. They are sexually transmitted and are highly contagious. Males can also contract these warts on their genitals.
Women who have been diagnosed with genital warts should have a vaginal and uterine pap smear every six months due to their increased risk for cancer. The incubation period for genital warts is usually three months or longer. Early detection is important because this virus can be spread before the carrier is even aware that he or she has it.
Royal Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment
1. Increase your consumption of sulfur-containing amino acids in the diet such as those found in asparagus, citrus fruits, eggs, garlic and onions, and liver.
2. The wart virus thrives in a very moist environment. Always wear sandals around swimming pools, health clubs, and locker rooms to avoid foot contact. You may want to change your shoes frequently and allow shoes to dry out between wearings.
3. Salicylic acid preparations work against warts by softening and helping dissolve them. These products are over-the-counter and come in liquid, gel, pad, and ointment form. If you use such a product, get a 40% salicylic acid concentrate and apply it directly to the wart only. Avoid contact with the surrounding skin as this could be irritating and possibly create an ulcer.
4. Sometimes, just applying a plain castor oil and baking soda paste to the wart once or twice daily, and covering it with clean tape, will cause a wart to leave.
5. For genital warts, kept the area dry. After a bath, use a blow dryer. Do not irritate the warts by rubbing them. Wear only cotton underwear. Avoid sexual intercourse until warts have completely healed. If they persist, a dermatologist can apply podophyllin, which kills the virus, directly to the wart.
6. Warts can be frozen or cauterized with heat. However, heat may leave scars. Plantar warts can be injected directly with vitamin A. This is somewhat painful but effective. The other alternative is to apply vitamin A topically on a daily basis.
7. Practice visualizing the warts shrinking and disappearing. Do this for 5 minutes each day to help mobilize your body’s natural defenses. You may be surprised at just how much control your mental and emotional states have over your physical condition.
8. People seem more susceptible to warts when they’re under stress. (See “Stress.”) Learn how to relax with deep breathing whenever you feel stress coming on. You can stop and deep breathe anywhere. Do this by closing your eyes and slowly inhaling for 10 to 20 seconds. Use your diaphragm by allowing your stomach to expand outward with each inhalation. Hold your breath for 10 to 20 seconds. Then, exhale by forcing your stomach inward for 10 to 20 seconds. With each breath, allow your shoulder to droop, you jaw to drop and your body to relax. Repeat this three times or whenever you begin to feel stress building.
9. Heart rate variability testing, can assist in evaluating the status of an individual’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning. Non-cognitive biofeedback (i.e., recycling of heart rate variations) can be used to treat ANS imbalances.
10. As the body ages, and degenerative diseases increase, hormone levels decrease. Have your doctor check your DHEA, testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen levels. Keeping hormone levels as near mid-range as possible helps to keep the body functioning at its optimum. Natural hormone supplements from plants are available. (See “Hypothyroidism.”)
11. Supplements known to be beneficial include vitamins A, C, and E, B-complex, the amino acid L-Lysine, the mineral zinc, and liver glandular. Of all of these, vitamin C is most important in maintaining effective immunity against warts.
12. Herbs to consider are echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, mullein, pau d’arco, and red clover.
13. Homeopathic recommendations include: Antimonium Crudum (for hard, horny warts), Causticum (for warts of the tips of the fingers and nose), Dulcamara (for smooth, flat warts), Natrum Muriaticum (for plantar warts), Nitricum Acidum (for warts that bleed easily), Staphisagria (for warts that are sensitive to the touch), Thuja (for pedunculated, common warts of the hands and genitals), and Vaccininum (for small pox-like eruptions).
To learn more about healing and health optimizing therapies, go to www.NewHopeMedical.org or call NEW HOPE MEDICAL CENTER at (702) 476-0000 (direct line) or toll free (866) HEAL-NOW!