Anal warts are a form of genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV. As the most common type of sexually transmitted disease, HPV affects the area around and inside the anus and one presentation are the anal warts. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for anal warts.
Causes
The cause of anal warts is the human papilloma virus or HPV and it is transmitted from person to person via direct contact, as per the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons or ASCRS. While it is the most common sexually transmitted disease, it is not necessarily acquired thru sexual contact. As per the publication, it can be acquired via contact exposure to the anal area, such as hand contact. Also, prior sexual partners could have been exposed to the virus prior to the actual contact and the person may have just developed the actual symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Anal warts can be seen inside and around the anal area, as per Health Line. According to the publication, the initial presentation involves small bumps that are less than the side of a pin head, a reason they are initially unnoticed. Then, they cluster and develop a cauliflower-appearance. In terms of color, they may be seen as flesh-colored, pink, light brown, or yellow. As per ASCRS, anal warts are typically painless, but additional symptoms, such as pruritus or itching, bleeding, mucus discharge, and a feeling of a lump in the anal area may develop.
Home Remedies
While pharmacological treatment or topical medications are part of the interventions for anal warts, home remedies may also be done to resolve the disease.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that promotes wound healing. According to My Home Remedies, it also acts a remedy for warts. As per the publication, zinc tablets, which can be taken with food, are hated by viruses like the human papilloma virus.
Tea Tree Oil and Castor Oil
Tea tree and castor oil are two other remedies for anal warts. According to Home Remedy Shop, tea tree helps counter the warts; however, it brings a burning sensation to the area. As per the publication, the person just has to apply the oil through a cotton ball over the warts. The remedy is done once a day for ten days and effectiveness is indicated by the warts turning white and falling off in the process. Meanwhile, castor oil can also be applied on the warts to relieve the HPV infection and vitamin E oil can be used as alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a wide variety of uses as remedy and one of them is as counter for anal warts. As per Rapid Home Remedies, apple cider vinegar is a form of acid, which kills the affected tissues, as well as the infecting microorganism. According to the publication, the person applies the vinegar using a cotton swab, small brush, or toothpick to the affected area. Then, it is left for about ten minutes, before it is wiped off with dry cloth. The remedy is done three times a day for at least one week. As per the publication, the warts’ color will change within two to three days. Within a week, it will turn into a scab and then fall off.
Anal warts results from the human papilloma virus infection and since it brings discomfort to the person, it also affects that person’s activities of daily living. Thus, it is best to seek medical consult from a healthcare professional for proper advise, which includes assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
