Genital wart treatment online

Response time: 1-2 working days

Board-certified dermatologists
Affordable expert care
Free choice of pharmacy

Close-up of genital warts on skin and a man covering his face with his hand, representing the physical symptoms and emotional impact of genital warts.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Sarita Nori
Dermatologist

Why get virtual dermatology treatment via Miiskin?

Consultations for new patients are around $59 and for returning patients around $30.

You get treatment provided by a board-certified dermatologist

You can buy your medicine at a local pharmacy the same day.

Close-up images of genital warts on skin.

What are genital warts?

Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) are a sexually transmitted infection caused primarily by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity, they may appear singly or in clusters on the genital or anal regions.¹

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Signs and symptoms of genital warts

Small, flesh-colored, pink, or gray bumps on the genital or anal area.
Flat, smooth spots or raised, rough growths (sometimes cauliflower-shaped).
May appear as a single wart or in clusters.
Can be tiny (millimeters) or larger.
Itching or mild irritation.
Discomfort during sex or when the area is rubbed.
Bleeding from friction if the wart is irritated.
Rarely, they may grow large enough to interfere with urination, bowel movements, or sexual activity²

common medications for genital wart treatment

Can genital warts be treated online?

Can genital warts be diagnosed online?

According to Dr. Nori, independent, board-certified dermatologist in the Miiskin network, genital warts can be diagnosed online if they are external and visible. Due to their distinctive appearance, an experienced dermatologist will be able to identify them based on clear images and your medical history. However, she emphasizes that online diagnosis has limits, and if the warts are very small, atypical, or located in hard-to-see areas you may require an in-person exam. If there’s any doubt or they are located inside the genital tract, a physical examination is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

Do I need a prescription for genital warts?

Yes, you need a topical prescription medication to treat genital warts. Miiskin connects you with independent, board-certified dermatologists who can assess your condition and provide the necessary prescription.

How can I get genital wart treatment online?

You can get an online prescription for genital warts by having a virtual consultation via Miiskin with an independent, board-certified dermatologist. They’ll review your symptoms and, if appropriate, prescribe the right treatment—all online. Consultation price is between $30 – $59 depending on whether you are a new or returning patient.

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phone showing a prescription request for a genital warts and diagnosis from a doctor

License: North Carolina.

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Dr. Sarita Nori

Online Dermatologist

Licenses: FL, MA, TX, NH, CT, ME.

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Provider & Prescription Information

Miiskin connects patients with independent dermatologists who provide care through their own private practices. Miiskin does not employ dermatologists and does not sell or distribute medications. Any prescriptions issued by the dermatologists can be filled at third-party pharmacies of the patient’s choice.

What topical medications are commonly prescribed for genital warts?

Commonly prescribed medications for genital warts.

Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara)

Podofilox 0.5% solution/gel (Condylox)

Sinecatechins 15% ointment (Veregen)

Sinecatechins 15% ointment for genital warts

How does it work?

Start consultation to get a diagnosis and treatment for your genital warts.
Get an answer from an online dermatologist in your state.
Buy your medication at a pharmacy nearby and start treatment.

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Process to getting a prescription for genital warts treatment
Through Miiskin, you get in touch with a dermatologist using an online dermatology consultation. The dermatologist will review your case and will write you a prescription for genital warts if it is suitable for you. Then you can pick it up at the pharmacy of your choice.

How to apply topical treatment for genital warts?

Dr. Nori says you should always follow the instructions given by your dermatologist, but here are some general guidelines on how to apply the different genital wart treatments.

Before you start, wash and dry the area; consider a thin film of petroleum jelly on nearby healthy skin as a barrier. Wash hands before and after, and do not cover the affected area with band aids, and pause treatment if severe irritation occurs.

Dr. Nori emphasizes that you should only apply treatment to external warts only (not inside the vagina, cervix, urethra, or anus).

Step by step guide on how to administer self-treatment for genital warts

Prepare the area:
Wash hands and gently clean and dry the affected skin. Treat only external warts—avoid applying inside the vagina, anus, urethra, or on broken skin.
Apply the medication:
Using clean fingers or the provided applicator, place a thin layer of the cream, gel, or solution directly on the wart surface only, avoiding healthy surrounding skin. Rub it gently, if directed. You can apply Vaseline around the area to protect nearby skin from the medication.
Leave on for the recommended time:
Depending on the medication, this may range from several hours to overnight. Always follow the schedule provided by your online dermatologist when they write your prescription (e.g., certain days per week or nightly use).

Wash off if required:
Some treatments should be washed off after the set time using mild soap and water, while others are left on until your next washing.
Follow the correct treatment cycle:
Some medications are applied daily, others only a few times per week, and some follow an “on/off” cycle (e.g., 3 days on, 4 days off). Continue for the full prescribed duration or until warts clear, without exceeding the maximum number of weeks recommended.
Manage irritation:
Mild redness or soreness can occur. If irritation is severe, pause treatment for a few days and restart once the skin improves. You can apply a thin layer of vaseline or Aquaphor to the inflamed areas to facilitate healing.

Important safety notes

Do not use more than the instructed amount, do not treat large areas beyond the product guidelines, and avoid sexual contact while medication is on the skin. Some treatments are not safe in pregnancy—always confirm with your dermatologist

When to consult your doctor

Dr. Nori explains that if there’s no meaningful improvement after a full course, if your warts bleed easily, or if you have severe reactions, you should reach out to your online dermatologist to discuss the next steps.

Genital warts vs Herpes

Aspect

Genital Warts

Genital Herpes

Cause

Human papillomavirus (HPV), usually low-risk types (HPV 6 and 11).

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), most often HSV-2, sometimes HSV-1.

Onset after infection

Weeks to months.

2–12 days.

Location

External genitals, anus, groin, and sometimes mouth/throat.

Genitals, anus, buttocks, inner thighs, mouth, and lips.

Transmission

Skin-to-skin sexual contact with infected area, even without visible warts.

Skin-to-skin contact with infected area, often during sexual activity; virus sheds even without sores.

Symptoms & Recurrence

Appearance

Small, flesh-colored or whitish bumps; may be flat, raised, or cauliflower-shaped.

Painful blisters or sores that start as red spots, then form fluid-filled vesicles, then crust over.

Symptoms

Usually painless; may itch or cause mild discomfort.

Pain, itching, burning, tingling before lesions; may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak.

Recurrence

Warts may recur after removal; frequency varies.

Outbreaks recur periodically; frequency varies by person.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis

Usually by visual exam; biopsy if unclear.

Visual exam, PCR test, or viral culture from sores.

Treatment

Topical or provider-applied wart removal (e.g., cryotherapy, acids, surgery); no cure for HPV itself.

Oral antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) to shorten outbreaks and reduce recurrences; no cure for HSV.

Prevention

HPV vaccination, condom use, avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks.

Condom use, suppressive antiviral therapy, avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks.

Risk

Cancer risk

Low-risk HPV types cause warts but are not linked to cancer; high-risk HPV types (different from wart types) can cause cancer.

HSV is not linked to cancer, but sores may increase susceptibility to other STIs.

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski,
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I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse,
Patient Review →

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang,
Patient Review →

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H,
Patient Review →

Quick response from the dermatologist — I wanted a fast turnaround for a skin concern that would be more immediate than going through health insurance, making an appointment, traveling to the doctor.

Timothy C.
Patient Review →

Get a prescription for genital warts via Miiskin

Select “Start consultation” to sign up.
Fill out the consultation form and take photos of your skin.
Get an answer from an online dermatologist in your state.
Buy medication affordably from the pharmacy of your choice.

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FAQ about genital warts treatment

Dr. Sarita Nori answers the most popular questions about genital warts, and treatments.

How are genital warts transmitted?

According to Dr. Nori, genital warts are caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly types 6 and 11, and are transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. This contact usually occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activity, but it does not require penetration to spread—the virus can be passed from one person to another whenever mucous membranes or microscopic skin abrasions come into contact. Because HPV can be present on skin that appears completely normal, transmission can occur even when there are no visible warts. Dr. Nori stresses that condoms reduce the risk but cannot offer complete protection, as they do not cover all potentially infected skin. She also points out that HPV can be transmitted from a person who is unaware they are infected, which explains its high prevalence worldwide.

Can you have genital warts and not know it?

Dr. Nori notes that it is entirely possible to have genital warts—or more specifically, an HPV infection—without realizing it. Warts may be so small, flat, or skin-colored that they are not noticed, or they may be hidden inside the vagina, on the cervix, within the anal canal, or under the foreskin of the penis. In some cases, HPV infection never produces visible warts at all, but the virus remains in the skin and can still be transmitted to partners. She emphasizes that this silent nature is why HPV spreads so easily, and why regular sexual health check-ups, especially PAP smears, are important for sexually active individuals, even if they have no symptoms.

Is there a cure for genital warts?

Dr. Nori explains that while there are multiple effective treatments for removing the visible lesions caused by HPV, there is no medication or procedure that can guarantee complete elimination of the virus from the body. The immune system plays the key role in controlling HPV, and in many cases, the infection becomes inactive and undetectable over time—often within two years. However, some individuals may experience recurrences months or even years later, especially if their immune system becomes compromised. Treatments such as topical therapies, cryotherapy, and surgical removal focus on clearing visible growths, relieving symptoms, and reducing the risk of transmission, but they cannot ensure the virus is gone forever.

Do genital warts come back?

Dr. Nori explains that recurrence is common, particularly within the first three to six months after initial treatment, because the virus may remain in the surrounding skin even after the warts themselves are removed. Over time, the immune system may suppress HPV to the point that new lesions stop forming, but this varies widely between individuals. Factors that can increase the risk of recurrence include a weakened immune system, smoking, and co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections. She reassures patients that recurrent outbreaks often become less frequent and less severe as the body builds immunity to the virus.

Can I still have sex if I have genital warts?

Dr. Nori acknowledges that many patients are concerned about intimacy after a diagnosis. She explains that while sexual activity is physically possible, it carries a risk of transmitting HPV to a partner even if no warts are visible. Condoms can reduce—but not eliminate—this risk, and open communication with partners is important. In some cases, she recommends abstaining from sexual contact until visible lesions are treated and healed, especially during active outbreaks or during treatment, to lower the risk of spread and avoid irritation. She also notes that partners may wish to discuss HPV vaccination with their healthcare provider for added protection.

How long do genital warts last?

Dr. Nori explains that the duration of genital warts can vary significantly. Without treatment, some warts resolve spontaneously within months as the immune system controls the infection, while others may persist for years. With treatment, individual warts can often be cleared within a few weeks, but multiple treatment sessions are sometimes required. She adds that even when warts disappear, the underlying virus may remain dormant, meaning new lesions can develop in the future.

Are genital warts dangerous?

According to Dr. Nori, genital warts themselves are benign. However, their presence indicates an HPV infection, and while types 6 and 11 are considered “low-risk” for malignancy, it is possible for a person to be co-infected with high-risk HPV types that are associated with cervical, anal, penile, or throat cancers. For this reason, she stresses the importance of regular Pap smears, HPV testing, and appropriate screening based on a patient’s anatomy and risk factors.

Can I get a genital warts prescription online?

Dr. Nori explains that in some cases, prescriptions for topical treatments such as imiquimod, podofilox, or sinecatechins can be provided through an online consultation if the dermatologist is confident in the diagnosis based on photos and history. However, she emphasizes that in some cases, you may be referred to an in-person dermatologist.

Can genital warts be passed through oral sex?

Dr. Nori confirms that HPV strains causing genital warts can be transmitted through oral-genital contact, although this is less common than genital-to-genital transmission. In such cases, warts can develop in the mouth, throat, or lips, and HPV can also cause oral infections without visible lesions. She advises that barrier methods like condoms or dental dams during oral sex can reduce the risk of transmission.

What triggers genital warts?

Dr. Nori explains that the appearance of genital warts depends on a combination of viral activity and the body’s immune response. Even after HPV infection, warts may not appear for weeks, months, or even years. Outbreaks are more likely when the immune system is weakened—due to stress, illness, poor nutrition, smoking, or immunosuppressive medications. She notes that some people never develop warts despite carrying the virus, while others may experience multiple recurrences.

What is the most effective way to prevent getting human papillomavirus?

Dr. Nori emphasizes that HPV vaccination is the single most effective preventive measure, protecting against both low-risk types that cause warts and high-risk types linked to cancers. Vaccination is most effective when given before the onset of sexual activity but can still offer benefits later. In addition, consistent condom use, limiting the number of sexual partners, and avoiding sexual contact with anyone who has visible lesions further reduce the risk of transmission.

What are the risk factors for genital warts?

According to Dr. Nori, the likelihood of developing genital warts increases with behaviors or conditions that facilitate HPV exposure or weaken immune defenses. Risk factors include unprotected sex, having multiple partners, a history of other sexually transmitted infections, and smoking. Immunosuppression from conditions such as HIV or medications like steroids also increases susceptibility.

How are genital warts treatments applied?

Dr. Nori explains that patient-applied topical medications, such as imiquimod or podofilox, are used over several weeks to stimulate the immune system or destroy wart tissue. She adds that follow-up is essential, as multiple treatments are often needed to fully clear the lesions.

How to prevent genital warts?

Dr. Nori advises that prevention begins with HPV vaccination, which significantly lowers the risk of both genital warts and HPV-related cancers. Safer sex practices—including consistent condom use and limiting the number of partners—help reduce exposure. She also recommends regular sexual health checkups, prompt treatment of any suspicious lesions, and avoiding sexual contact when warts are present to minimize the risk of spread.

What’s the difference between genital warts and herpes?

Dr. Nori clarifies that genital warts are caused by HPV and appear as raised, often painless growths on the skin, while genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus and presents with clusters of painful blisters that break into sores before healing. The viruses are unrelated, spread in slightly different ways, and require different treatments—herpes can be suppressed with antiviral medication, whereas genital warts are treated by physically or chemically removing the lesions.

References:
¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441884/
²https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20355234