Castor Oil & Genital Warts

Genital warts are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases and may affect both men and women 1. According to MayoClinic.com, the human papillomavirus is the virus that causes genital warts and has been associated with cervical cancer as well as other genital cancers 1. Although not a cure, castor oil may be used to treat and eliminate genital warts 1. Always consult with your physician prior to self-treating and health or skin condition.

Identification

Castor oil is extracted from castor seeds. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may be used medicinally and therapeutically. Castor oil has been used to treat conditions such as arthritis pain, hair loss, constipation, migraines and skin conditions. The oil may be used externally and internally.

Causes

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More than 70 different types of HPV exist and several of those cause genital warts say the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. HPV is transferred from person to person through sexual contact. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that you may be at a higher risk of getting genital warts if you have multiple sex partners, become sexually active at a young age, affected with other viral infections such as herpes or use tobacco and alcohol 1.

Symptoms

Genital warts on women may appear on the vulva, anus, walls of the vagina and the cervix 1. On men, genital warts may appear on the shaft of the penis, scrotum or anus 1. Additionally, they may appear in the mouth or throat of men and women. In addition, they may either appear raised or flat and may not be able to be seen with the human eye.

Treatment

Acne & Warts

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Castor oil is not a cure for genital warts or HPV but it may be used to treat and eliminate them 1. According to Herbs2000, castor oil may be combined with a small amount of baking soda and applied topically to the affected area to remove warts. They also state that genital warts should be examined my a medical professional prior to starting castor oil treatment 1.

Prevention

Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent genital warts and other sexually transmitted diseases 1. However, when engaging in sexual intercourse, always use condoms and avoid intercourse if warts are present. In addition, limiting your number of sex partners may reduce your risk of getting genital warts 1.