Do genital warts turn white after treatment?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently visited my doctor, who diagnosed me with genital warts. After applying the prescribed medication to burn them off, they turned white, as expected. However, my concern is that, based on the photo I took after applying the medication, they do not look like genital warts. Before seeing the doctor, I had not noticed anything itching, burning, or other symptoms.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

If your doctor diagnosed genital warts and treated them with a medication that turned them white, they likely used a chemical like Podophyllin, Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or Imiquimod, which reacts with HPV (human papillomavirus)-infected skin. However, if you are uncertain about the diagnosis, here are some possibilities. Genital warts, which are HPV-related, are most likely small, flesh-colored, or white bumps that can be flat or cauliflower-like. In many cases, they cause no pain, burning, or itching and turn white after treatment with acids or freezing.

Pearly penile papules, if located on the penis, are completely normal, small, white, dome-shaped bumps in rows. They are not caused by HPV, do not require treatment, and do not turn white with wart treatments. Fordyce spots are small white or yellowish bumps on the genitals, which are sebaceous glands (oil glands). They are harmless, non-infectious, and do not react to wart treatments. Molluscum contagiosum, which is viral but not caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), appears as small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps with a central dimple. This condition is caused by a different virus but can also turn white with certain treatments. Fungal or bacterial infections may present as white spots, usually accompanied by redness, irritation, or burning. These are often mistaken for warts but require different treatments.

If you are unsure about your diagnosis, you can take a few steps. Waiting a few days may help, as shrinking bumps would confirm your doctor's diagnosis. If still unsure, getting a second opinion from a dermatologist or another doctor can provide further clarity. Consider an HPV test, if available, to confirm the virus type. Avoiding sexual contact until fully healed is recommended to prevent spreading, even if you have no symptoms. If the bumps do not seem like warts or do not improve with treatment, seeking a second opinion might give you peace of mind. Do you want advice on HPV management and future prevention?

I hope this helps.

Thank you.