Vestibular Papillae Removal

Vestibular papillae are often confused with genital warts 2. However, unlike genital warts, vestibular papillae don’t form a cauliflower shape 2. Vestibular papillae are soft, pink in color and distributed in a linear pattern. Although some researchers have questioned a link between this condition and human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the U.S. Library of Medicine, a connection hasn’t been found. Also, vestibular papillae isn’t a sexually transmitted disease, unlike genital warts 2.

Doctor Office Treatments

If the vestibular papillae aren’t bothering the patient, the doctor will recommend a “wait and see” approach. However, these cobblestone lesions make some patients self-conscious, which motivates them to seek treatment.

Acid treatments burn off vestibular papillae. These treatments are applied in a doctor’s office. This procedure causes mild discomfort and may need to be repeated several times until the lesions are gone.

Home Treatments

Earlobe Wart

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Another option is a plant-based treatment, which can be applied at home. Treatments such as podophyllin and podofilox are topical solutions. The doctor will typically apply the first treatment, and then give the patient a prescription to use topically at home.

When perusing treatment for vestibular papillae removal, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Treatments for vestibular papillae removal aren’t recommended during pregnancy.

When to Call a Doctor

If vestibular papillae don’t respond to treatment, contact your doctor for an evaluation. This condition is very similar to genial warts and can be misdiagnosed. Vestibular papillae resemble cobblestones and are very smooth in texture. Genital warts, on the other hand, are small and flesh-colored lesions that grow on the genitals 2.

Genital warts may cause bleeding with intercourse and appear in a cauliflower shape instead of a linear pattern 2. They can also be gray in color. Sometimes, getting a second doctor’s opinion is necessary when diagnosing this condition.