d. Treatment. There is no known cure for Herpes Type II viruses. Some
agents have had varied degrees of success. These agents are all experimental, and
some are considered carcinogenic (a cancer-producing agent). Future research is
aimed at controlling the herpes simplex virus by the body's own immune system.
2-9.
VENEREAL WARTS
Venereal warts (also known as Condylomata acuminata) are warts that grow on
or near the genitals and around the anus. These warts were previously thought to more
of a nuisance than a health problem. Research indicates that the virus which causes
venereal warts may be associated on a long-term basis with the development of cervical
cancer in women and other genital cancers in both sexes. Venereal warts exist with
other sexually transmitted diseases. An individual with such warts, therefore, should
have a thorough medical evaluation to check for organisms such as N. gonorrhea or C.
trachomatis.
a. Etiology. Venereal warts are caused by a sexually transmitted virus called
the human papilloma virus (HPV). These warts grow rapidly in the presence of heavy
perspiration, pregnancy, or poor hygiene. As mentioned in the previous paragraph,
venereal warts often accompany another genital infection.
b. Signs/Symptoms. The warts are soft, moist, pink, or red tiny swellings.
(They are sometimes grayish-white). These warts have a cauliflower-like surface and
grow rapidly. The warts have a tendency to become pedunculated (have a stem-like
structure serving as a support or attachment). When several venereal warts are in the
same area, they have a cauliflower-like appearance.
c. Diagnosis. Examination reveals that the wart appearance is different from
the flat-topped condylomata lata (secondary syphilis). Examination of dark-field
scrapings of the wart cells shows that they have marked vascularization of epidermal
cells (not characteristic of condylomata lata. A biopsy should be taken to rule out
cancer.
d. Treatment. Treat as follows:
(1) Small warts may be removed by a topical drug therapy of 20 percent
podophyllum in tincture of benzoin or trichloroacetic acid, either of which may remove
small warts.
(2) Warts may also be removed by applying 25 percent podophyllum in
spirits. Allow the medication to dry. Wash the medication off after three to four hours.
Repeat application of the medication once or twice a week. If the wart is not gone after
one month, consider an alternative method of treatment. When treating warts, take care
to:
(a) Avoid damaging the surrounding tissue.
MD0580
2-17