Vinegar has several uses for genital warts. First of all, it is used to diagnose said sexually transmitted disease. Next, it can also be used to treat genital warts and relieve symptoms while they are still in the early stages.
Genital warts may or may not show symptoms. If they do, warts can appear as small cauliflower-shaped lesions that can be raised or flat. They can start small, around 2 millimeters in diameter, but can grow and spread in large groups in the anal and genital areas. They are easy to spot if they are raised and large enough to be seen with the naked eye. However, there are times when they are present but barely noticeable. Therefore, when diagnosing genital warts, your doctor will usually apply a three to five percent acetic acid solution, or white vinegar, directly to suspected infected areas.
White vinegar, which consists of acetic acid, will turn warts white when applied. To further aid in direct visual examination, the doctor may use a colposcope, a lighted magnifying device. However, white spots do not necessarily reflect the presence of genital warts. Your doctor will still evaluate you for other similar-appearing conditions, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, and fungal infections. He/she may also perform a biopsy if more abnormalities are present. This test involves the removal of a tissue sample for later examination under a microscope.
Vinegar is also used for other tests for genital warts. Some doctors use vinegar in a test called an acid wrap. First, a strip of gauze or a piece of cloth is soaked in white vinegar. It is then wrapped around the individual’s genital area for approximately 10 minutes. Similar to the acetic acid test mentioned above, the parts of the genital area that turn white are identified as possible genital warts. Again, more tests will be done after this to rule out any possibility of similar-looking illnesses.
In addition to diagnosis, vinegar is also used as a treatment for genital warts. In particular, apple cider vinegar is used as a natural remedy. It is effective against genital warts because it contains acetic and malic acid that help fight bacteria, fungi and viruses. These acids work with naturally occurring acids in your body to form a new compound that helps fight harmful microorganisms.
According to folk traditions, you should soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and use it to apply the solution to warts. Then you need to tape it over the affected area and leave it overnight. When you wake up in the morning, remove the patch and wash the area with lukewarm water. This is supposed to be done daily for a week, depending on the severity of your case. If your genital warts are large and severe or your immune system is compromised, you may need to repeat this method for another couple of weeks. You can also choose to soak the genital wart areas directly in apple cider vinegar once or twice a day. Be aware, however, that this may irritate your sensitive genital area, so consult your doctor first before using this treatment.