title: Depilatory cream vs. shaving: does it influence recurrences of genital warts?
abstract: Genital warts are common infections caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV). Although the diagnosis is straight forward and many different treatment choices are present, recurrences are almost inevitable. There are many factors influencing recurrences such as immunity, HPV types, sexual partnership, and hygiene. Hair removal methods may be an issue in recurrence. In this retrospective study, the recurrence rate of genital warts in 50 patients using depilatory creams or shaving as a regular hair removal method before and after treatment by electrocauterization were evaluated. Both methods showed no difference in recurrence rates. Therefore, no depilatory method can be advised as decreasing genital recurrence of genital warts.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Bayindir Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Asli Feride
authors: AF
authors: Kaptanoglu
authors: Nazike
authors: N
authors: Duruk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors