What are some of the wound care instructions following electrocauterization?

Genital warts are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on or around the region of a person’s organs, such as the penis, vagina, and anus. Genital warts can be spread through unprotected sex. However, this is not the only way the infection can spread from person to person, as they can also be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact.

There is no known cure for genital warts yet, but they can be treated through topical ointments or surgical procedures. However, it is vital to note that removing these warts do not eliminate the HPV virus from the body. With proper treatment, the virus may lie dormant within the human body, but there remains the possibility of it resurfacing again in the future. As such, these warts may return even after topical treatment or surgery.

A person infected with genital warts may experience discomfort, pain, and itching from these growths, which is why many opt to have them removed even if the effects are temporary. But, surgery alone is insufficient. Even after the procedure is completed, there are several aftercare instructions a person needs to follow to prevent the wounds from being infected. If you are also a patient that has undergone this wart removal procedure, let us share what you have to do after the surgery.

1. Always keep the wounds clean and dry

The most important thing you need to do after surgery is to keep the wounds clean and dry. After the wart removal procedure, you may still experience itchiness and irritation in the wound areas. You can still take warm baths or wash the wounds with warm water to alleviate the itchiness and irritation. Experts recommend doing this at least 3 to 4 times daily.

However, it is essential for you to keep the wounds clean and dry in between these baths. It is advisable to use a hairdryer to dry the affected areas instead of a towel, as it may be unclean, leading to the wounds getting infected. Additionally, you should avoid touching the scars with your bare hands as they may still be bleeding after the surgery. If you accidentally do so, wash your hands immediately as HPV can spread through contact with a patient’s infected blood.

2. Do not scratch the wound

As mentioned, it is common to experience irritation and soreness after a wart removal procedure. However, you should avoid touching and scratching the wounds. When you scratch the affected areas, you might cause the wounds to bleed, thus contaminating your hands. This can lead to you spreading the infection to other parts of your body unknowingly. Instead, consider applying an ice pack on the affected areas to relieve the pain. Alternatively, you can consider taking over-the-counter pain medications if the wounds continue to hurt.

3. Avoid sex after the surgery

Experts recommend abstaining from sex for at least two weeks to allow your skin to heal from the surgery, as the friction generated from skin-to-skin contact can prevent the wounds from healing properly.

Moreover, it is vital to remember that the HPV virus still resides within your body, so it is still possible for you to spread the virus to your partner. Therefore, you should always remember to use a condom during sex to avoid exposing others to this disease.

Conclusion

Observing your aftercare treatment instructions following a wart removal is essential to reduce the chances of your genital warts resurfacing. Doing so also prevents the possibility of further infection. Therefore, we recommend following these instructions to the letter to ensure your treatment is effective.

If you discover genital warts developing all over your body, you should seek treatment from a reliable STD clinic in Singapore immediately. At Elyon Clinic, we can help you with your sexual health concerns. Do not hesitate to call us at 6802 7208 to book an appointment today!

You may need to take a simple pain relief, eg. paracetamol (as directed on the manufacturer’s packet), to cover the next 12 to 24 hours.

The dressing

• Keep the wound dry and covered for two to three days
• A greasy ointment (e.g. Vaseline) can be applied after removal of the dressing to prevent crusting
• If the area is then dry and healing, the dressing can be left off. If the wound is moist or is in an area where it may catch or rub on clothing, cover with a clean dressing until healed
• The treated area will form a scab, This should be left in place until it fades or falls off after two to four weeks
• Curettage and cautery of the skin will inevitably leave a scar. The type of scar will depend on the site and size of the lesion removed

Bathing

The area should be kept covered for the next three days. Ideally the wound should be covered until any stitches are removed. After bathing, never leave a wet dressing in place. Wash your hands and change it for a plain plaster. A wet dressing increases your risk of infection.

Test results

The skin sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. You and your GP will be informed on the result of the test, usually by letter, but please state a preference at the time of your surgery. You may be sent a dermatology appointment for results to see a specialist nurse or doctor if further discussion is needed. The results are usually available after three weeks, but sometimes may take longer if they are discussed at the multi-disciplinary meeting or if a further opinion is required.

Complications

Although some weeping at the site is inevitable, this does not necessarily imply infection.

If you experience persistent pain or weeping from the site after two days, you may need advice from your surgery. The practice nurse will be able to assess your wound if you suspect infection.

The signs of infection can be any of the following:

• Increasing pain at the site
• Swelling
• Redness
• A pus-like discharge

If you are concerned about any of the above, see your practice nurse promptly, taking with you your ‘practice nurse letter’. Your practice nurse is the first point of contact. The practice nurse will be able to assess your wound if you suspect it is infected.

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