There is no cure for HPV, but there are methods to treat visible warts, which could reduce infectivity, although there are no trials studying the effectiveness of removing visible warts in reducing transmission.[8] Genital warts may disappear without treatment, but sometimes eventually develop a fleshy, small raised growth. There is no way to predict whether they will grow or disappear. Warts can sometimes be identified because they show up as white when acetic acid is applied, but this method is not recommended on the vulva because microtrauma and inflammation can also show up as acetowhite.[5] Magnifying glasses or colposcope may also be used to aid in identifying small warts.[5]
Depending on the sizes and locations of warts (as well as other factors), a doctor will offer one of several ways to treat them. Podofilox is the first-line treatment due to its low cost.[9] Almost all treatments can potentially cause depigmentation or scarring.[8]
Genital HPV infections have an estimated prevalence in the US of 10–20% and clinical manifestations in 1% of the sexually active adult population.[3] Incidence of HPV infection has increased between 1975 and 2006.[where?][3] About 80% of those infected are between the ages of 17–33.[3] Although treatments can remove the warts, they do not remove the HPV, so warts can recur after treatment (about 50–73% of the time[13]), and also spontaneously regress.[3] Traditional theories postulated that the virus remained in the body for a lifetime. However, new studies using sensitive DNA techniques have shown that through immunological response the virus can either be cleared or suppressed to levels below what polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can measure. One study testing genital skin for subclinical HPV using PCR found a prevalence of 10%.[3]
They can be "suppressed" but not cured.
Kosma is cursed for the rest of his life. At best, he'll be the modern male Typhoid Mary of Ireland.