HPV (Wart) Treatment: Laser – Ataşehir, Istanbul

Short answer

Laser removes HPV wart tissue by vaporising it with controlled heat; because it seals small vessels at the same time, bleeding is usually minimal. It can be used for warts on the hands, soles, face, external genitals, around the anus and inside the anal canal.

Laser removes visible warts but does not clear the virus from the body. New warts can therefore appear, especially in the first 3 months; they are assessed at follow-up and treated again if needed.

HPV and warts: why do they form?

Warts are benign, raised growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) in the skin and mucosa.

The virus spreads more easily through close skin contact and moist or damaged skin; a wart may take months to appear. About 90% of genital and anal warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11, which carry a low cancer risk. Some warts regress on their own, but this can take months or years.

Immune support for HPV: IV vitamin C, glutathione and ozone

For suitable patients, a course aimed at supporting and balancing the immune system can be added to laser treatment.

• IV (intravenous) supportive therapies: such as high-dose vitamin C and glutathione
• Ozone therapy: when needed, ozone therapy to support and balance immunity

Laboratory studies have shown that ozone is effective against viruses, bacteria and fungi, and research has described immunomodulatory effects of medical ozone therapy. Observational studies have linked adequate vitamin C and other micronutrient levels with less persistent HPV infection.

The content and length of the course are decided at examination according to general health, how widespread the warts are and any history of recurrence. However, there is no clinical evidence that these therapies treat warts on their own or clear HPV from the body; they do not replace laser and are planned as supportive care. Some may not be suitable in kidney failure, a history of kidney stones, G6PD deficiency or pregnancy.

Laser and other methods

There is no strong evidence that one method is best for everyone. Studies report that CO2 laser is effective at clearing warts, but these findings rest on few, low-quality studies.

Recovery and risks

For small warts the wound usually closes in 1–2 weeks; most people return to daily activities the same or next day.

• Keep the area clean and dry, use the recommended ointment and do not pick scabs.
• Avoid pools and saunas while healing; after genital treatment, avoid sexual contact until healed.

Possible side effects: temporary pain and burning, redness, swelling, infection, colour change and, rarely, scarring. Seek advice for fever, increasing redness or discharge.