Condylomas, or so-called genital warts, are common. Pregnant women and people with a compromised immune system are more susceptible to them. Sometimes condylomas are confused with the banal accumulation of skin epithelium in one place. This is not really a medical problem. Every 1 in 100 men get such growths, but since warts are contagious, it is advisable to consult a specialist in venereal diseases to limit the risk of spreading the infection between partners. By themselves, warts are a harmless condition. But scientists have conducted numerous studies and according to the latest journals and presented statistics – condylomas have a direct relationship with the development of cervical cancer and penile cancer. Studies show that 90% of women with cervical cancer also have a condyloma infection. Specialists advise women with proven condyloma infection to have Pap tests every six months to limit the risk of developing cervical cancer or to diagnose it at an earlier stage where treatment has far higher estimated percentages. What causes the appearance of condylomas? Condylomas are caused by the human papilloma virus – HPV. This is the same virus that causes warts on the legs, arms and face. The virus lives in the cytoplasm of cells, where it finds an ideal environment and reproduces very successfully. Subsequently, the multiplying viruses destroy the cell and infect other cells in the body. The clinical picture of condylomas is very typical. They usually appear as painless, flesh-colored or gray-white growths on the labia, anus, or penis, which can take the shape of grapes or cauliflower. They may also have clinical evidence of itchy or even mildly inflamed skin growths. NEWS_MORE_BOX Which treatment is right? In addition to the standard medical treatment, which to this day is considered radical – burning with liquid nitrogen, laser or solid carbon dioxide (dry ice), in European countries there is another medication that, according to recent studies, turns out to be very successful in the fight with warts and removes 100% of all growths. The medication is interferon-alpha or Intron A, but it is not registered for use in Bulgaria. Herbalists offer many good alternatives to get rid of warts. One of them is an application of Chinese foxglove root or sand gentian. Other herbs that have proven effective in combating unpleasant warts are calendula, calendula stem juice, sour apple juice, and active application of garlic to growths. At home, tea tree oil can also be applied to the growths. According to recent studies by specialists in psychology and psychiatry, hypnotherapy is also particularly successful in the fight against warts. Stress is believed to be a major trigger for the appearance of warts, especially in patients with a suppressed immune response.In combination with hypnotherapy, which takes place during several sessions. Patients are given a nutritious diet rich in vitamins A and C, including folic acid, which significantly strengthen the immune system.