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How to Stop HPV Itch
HPV (human papillomavirus) is responsible for genital warts, a common sexually transmitted disease. These warts can cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching. You can do several things to relieve the itching of active HPV outbreaks.
Get treatment for your warts. According to the Mayo Clinic, some genital warts can go away without treatment, but this can prolong the warts and the accompanying symptoms 2. It might be embarrassing, but going to the doctor can give you access to treatments that will help the warts go away and lessen their symptoms.
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Apply cool compresses to the affected area. This can relieve itching. You can do this as desired.
Ask your doctor about the appropriateness of over-the-counter anti-itch treatments like Benadryl, calamine lotion or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. If you are using topical medications, you might have to allow a certain window of time before applying them so they do not interfere with your medications; your doctor can let you know.
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Keep your genital area cool and dry. Moisture can aggravate itching. Wear cotton underwear.
Mix a small amount of baking soda with water and apply to the affected area with a cotton ball.
Warnings
Check with your doctor before applying any topical treatments besides prescribed medications.
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References
- Women's Health Zone
- The Mayo Clinic
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. World Health Organization. 24 January 2019
- Yanofsky VR, Patel RV, Goldenberg G. Genital warts: a comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(6):25–36. PMID: 22768354
- Sabeena S, Bhat PV, Kamath V, et al. Community-Based Prevalence of Genital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2017;18(1):145–154. Published 2017 Jan 1. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.1.145
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV & Men Fact Sheet. Updated Dec. 28, 2016.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STD Facts: HPV. Updated Aug. 20, 2019.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. February 22, 2019
- Yang J, Pu YG, Zeng ZM, Yu ZJ, Huang N, Deng QW. Interferon for the treatment of genital warts: a systematic review. BMC Infect Dis. 2009;9:156. Published 2009 Sep 21. doi:10.1186/1471-2334-9-156
- Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 20, 2019
- Cervical Cancer Overview. National Cervical Cancer Coalition. 2019
Warnings
- Check with your doctor before applying any topical treatments besides prescribed medications.
Writer Bio
Kelli Cooper has been a writer since 2009, specializing in health and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers University and is a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise.