Question
Will my warts disappear now I am taking HIV treatment?
14 April 2011. Related: All topics, Complications and coinfections, Starting treatment.
I had genital warts four years ago and the treatment (a cream) was really successful. The warts then reappeared last summer (with no reappearance in the meantime) but this time I had cryo which worked just as well. A few months ago the warts came back again and I was also diagnosed with HIV, having probably had HIV for a few years (as my dr says). I am now on meds and was wondering whether the warts will disappear now I am on HIV treatment? I read that warts are common with those infected with HIV.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Once you have warts two things can happen. Sometimes your body can clear the warts naturally and in doing this develop protection against the particular strain of virus that caused the warts. Sometimes though the virus is just suppressed and remains latent (sleeping) in the body.
If the virus is just suppressed then warts only usually reappear when you are run down or your immune system is low. This is why they can be a problem in HIV-positive people with a low CD4 count. It is common for these to resolve after starting treatment as your CD4 count increases.
Now that you are on HIV treatment you may find that once they are treated they remain latent. You may also find that on occasions they come back which might happen whether you are HIV-positive or not. This is nothing to worry about and does not mean your treatment is failing or that your immune system is weak. If warts come back report this to your doctor for treatment.
Warts are caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and there are over 100 different strains of HPV, many of which have no symptoms, and some of which cause warts. HPV is an extremely common viral infection and only a small percentage of people are at risk of HPV-related serious illnesses. However a PAP smear can identify cells that may be early signs of abnormalities. You should discuss with your doctor whether you would benefit from a Pap smear (depending on your age and medical history), either now or as part of your future care.
For more information about genital warts please see this link.
For a medical review of HPV and HIV is at this link.
Hi Nthabi,
The above post explains what warts are and how they are treated and why they may come back.
When are you next due to see the doctor who treated your warts? Also, how long have you been on treatment? Other than the ARVs are you taking any other medication?
I’m on treatment for HIV. My CD4 count it’s less than 50. I had warts they were treated. The Dr cut the wart in my virgin but they’re still there.
Hi Anonymous,
i-base advocates aren’t doctors. Therefore, you will need to talk to your doctor about this.
Hi, I’m 34 yrs old and I’m on HIV treatment I have been having warts now for a few months. I went to a doctor, he gave me meds. I’ve been taking them for months, if I take what the doctor prescribed they get reduced like they are going away , but if I stop taking the treatment they re-appear. My question is, will I have to take the meds the rest of my life like my ART treatment?
Hi Mikateko, it is good that you have started treatment. You might find that over the next few months this helps reduce the warts. Depending on how many warts you have and where they are on your body, you could also have these treated. Please talk to your doctor about this.
I am HIV positive my cd4 count is 265 I just started treatment have warts shuld I worry
Hi – this service only answers questions in English. If you have a history of warts, then you will definitely also have one or more HPV infections. Vaccination is unlikely to help, but please talk to your doctor about this.
In 2011 het ek n drs besoek gedoen omdag ek vaginale en anus vratte ontdek het. Di dr het dit vir my verwyder en my vir verdere toetse gestuur. Daardie selfde dag is ek hiv positive gediagnoseer. Ek het ongeveer 2jr gelede met ARV treatment begin maar ek kry nog steeds so 1 keer n jaar di vratte by my anus. Ek was nou vi amper n maand lank siek met griep en het di soortgelyke oop sere soos bevind was by my vagina in my neusgate verskyn
Kan u asb vir my se of ek vir die 3 soorte inspuitings kan gaan waarvan ek op di internet gelees het want ek is nou vas oortuig dat ek nou die hpv virus ok het.
Hi John
It seems very unhelpful for a dermatologist not to offer treatment.
This NHS link includes good information about the treatments available and going back to your doctor to work through these options with you might be a good way to start.
I have been hiv positive for over 20 years. My question is about warts. I have them all over my body, different kinds I believe. Mostly on my hands, leading up to my arms, as well as my legs. My counts are good, at times undetectable, yet these warts continue. Can you give me any guidance about this problem. Every dermatologist has just shook their head and did nothing about it.