Anal Warts

Definition

Anal warts is also called Condylomata acuminata. It is a form of sexually transmitted disease in which small warts occur in or around the rectum. Warts are benign tumors of the epidermis. Warts first appear as tiny blemishes, perhaps as small as the head of a pin and may grow larger than the size of a pea. They don't produce pain,so patient may be unaware of the disease. They may also affect the skin of the genital area. It can affect both men and women.

Causes of Anal Warts

The possible causes of anal warts may includes:-

• They can be sexually transmitted that infect the anal and genital areas. They usually spread from person to person by sexual contact.
• Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus. The HPV is very contagious. The virus can be transmitted from person to person, almost always by direct contact.
• Some risk factors for developing anal warts are smoking ,use of oral contraceptives, having multiple sexual partners etc.
• They can also spread from inanimate objects, such as a shared bath towel and other personal things.

Symptoms of Anal Warts

The main symptoms for anal warts may includes:-

• They are usually found in and around the anus and commonly group together in clusters.
• They can also become very itchy.
• Some patients may notice small growths in the anal area and some may feel minor itching or moisture in the anal area.
• They appear as bumps or growths which may be whitish or skin colored.
• Minor bleeding may also there occasionally resulting from anal sex or bowel movements.
• They are not usually painful unless there are a lots of them, which can make bowel movements quite difficult.

Treatment of Anal Warts

• Cauterization
• Laser surgery : This may also be a good option but generally not prescribed
• Anal warts can be treated, depending on the factors such as location, number, and size of the warts.
• If they are very small and are located only on the skin around the anus, they can be treated with medications, which are generally applied directly to the surface of the warts .
• Medication should be as prescribed by the doctor because reaction may damage normal skin in the vicinity.
• For larger warts another form of treatment is used in which warts are rapidly destructed using surgery.
• When the warts are more extensive, a general anaesthetic or alternatively deep sedation given by an injection followed by a local anaesthetic into the anal area to make the treatment free from pain.

The anal warts can be prevented by checking the following measures: Avoid sexual activities until treatment is completed. There should be proper and regular checking of the sexual partners. Use condoms because anal warts are highly contagious. Condoms may be helpfull in avoiding the disease.