First Aid

Suggestions for the "Newly Diagnosed"
Definitions of Terms
Do's and Don'ts
Most Importantly

Suggestions for assistance to the "Newly Diagnosed" individual: HPV - Warts

You must remember that this viral infection, known as a skin condition, does not affect everyone the same way. Some individuals may experience definite cell changes, usually internally. (Female or a male) Other individuals may experience symptoms that are a growth on the external skin. (Female or a male) Or some individuals have internal and external symptoms at the same or different times. But, researchers know that females have and show more symptoms of HPV then the males do. For some individuals the exposure to this virus may be severe, while other individuals may not experience or see anything.

• Take a deep breath and count to ten.
• The word ‘Herpes’ is not a death sentence.
• The words ‘HPV – Genital Warts’ are not a sentence for a sexless life ahead.
• Try to remember you are still the wonderful person you were before you heard HPV – Genital Warts in regard to yourself.
• Do NOT accept the social stigma as defining who you are!
  

Definitions of terms

Flare Up = when ‘pap test’ results are abnormal or warts are visible in the genital area.

Disease Free = when an individual has gone 24 consecutive months without any active symptoms of HPV.

Suggestions on Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do not pick or squeeze at the external genital warts on your skin.
• Do not try to remove the Warts yourself. Over the counter products are not best to use on genital warts.
• Do not cut them off. Do not pull-off the warts. Do not burn them off with a lighter.
• Keep the area clean and dry, during a flare-up. A flare-up is when you can visibly see the warts or are in treatment for cell changes.
• Wear white underwear during a flare-up.
• Wash you underwear separately during a flare-up in very hot soapy water. Dry in a dryer on the hottest temperature.
• Do not share towels and washcloths during a flare-up.
  

Most importantly

The most important step for you to take right now is for you not to accept that social stigma as defining who you are now! You are still the person you were before being diagnosed. Even better now! You just are not in a place to believe that yet. And that is okay. But, if you want to recover from the shock, get yourself back and move forward, you can. Go to our Resource section and find additional assistance.

Contact a Chicago HELP counselor at 866-660-0416. They can give you additional assistance in answering questions, giving doctor referrals, private counseling referrals and more. Or just stay on line and reach us at info@chicagohelp.org.