Can traditional Chinese medicine treat genital warts?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be used in the treatment of genital warts. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily characterized by small, granular or cauliflower-like skin growths appearing on the genital area or around the anus. In TCM, the occurrence of genital warts is considered to be related to damp-heat and toxic pathogens. Therefore, treatment should focus on clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as eliminating dampness and dispersing nodules.

Clinically, some patients have achieved certain therapeutic effects through oral and topical administration of Chinese herbal medicine. However, as genital warts are caused by HPV infection and are associated with factors such as low immunity, treatment with herbal medicine alone may be slow to show effects and prone to recurrence. Therefore, when using TCM to treat genital warts, it should be done under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner, avoiding self-medication which may delay treatment or cause adverse reactions.

Nevertheless, when choosing a treatment method, patients should comprehensively consider their own conditions, follow medical advice, and adopt a scientific and appropriate treatment plan.