Bowenoid Papulosis Treatment

Please complete the pre-appointment questionnaire before attending. If you are hoping for same-day treatment, uploading clear photos allows our specialists to review your case and provide a quote in advance.

On the day, wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a list of any medications you take. You do not need to fast. After your visit, we will provide full aftercare instructions if treatment is performed.

Most patients return to normal daily activities the same day or the following day, as treatment is performed under local anaesthetic.

You may experience mild soreness for a few days. We usually recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and sexual activity for about one week while the area heals.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a partner, friend, or family member for support. They can usually stay during the consultation but may be asked to wait in reception during the procedure to maintain a sterile clinical environment.

A clinical chaperone will also be available during examinations or treatment.

Most patients can travel home independently, including driving or using public transport, as the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic.

You may prefer loose clothing and a comfortable journey home, as mild tenderness can occur once the anaesthetic wears off.

Insurance cover depends on your provider and individual policy. Some insurers may cover treatment for pre-cancerous skin conditions, while others may have exclusions or require pre-authorisation.

We recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm your cover. Our team can provide a quote or medical letter to support your claim if needed.

Bowenoid papulosis can usually be treated successfully by removing the visible lesions. However, because it is linked to HPV, the virus may remain in the skin and lesions can occasionally return.

In many people, the immune system clears HPV naturally over time. Treatment focuses on removing affected tissue and monitoring healing to reduce recurrence.

Treatment removes pre-cancerous lesions, improves skin appearance, and relieves any irritation or discomfort. It may also help reduce HPV activity on the skin, lowering the risk of transmission to partners.

You should seek assessment as soon as you notice new or persistent pigmented spots or lumps in the genital area. Early evaluation allows for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Submitting photos with your questionnaire may allow consultation and treatment to take place during the same visit, where appropriate.

Avoid home remedies or over-the-counter wart treatments, as these can irritate sensitive skin.

You can help reduce irritation by
• keeping the area clean and dry
• avoiding shaving or waxing affected areas
• wearing loose clothing
• using condoms to help reduce transmission risk

A clinical assessment is still recommended for proper treatment.

During the appointment, you will have a consultation and examination to confirm the diagnosis. If appropriate and agreed, treatment can usually be performed during the same visit. Aftercare advice and a follow-up review will be arranged to support healing.

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area before treatment, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Once the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness or tenderness is normal and usually settles within a few days.

We will provide aftercare guidance to help keep you comfortable during recovery.

Yes, you are welcome to listen to music or a podcast using headphones during your procedure. Many patients find this helpful for relaxation and comfort.

After treatment, you will receive an aftercare pack and instructions to support healing. Mild soreness, light bleeding, or tenderness is normal for a few days.

A follow-up appointment is usually arranged within four weeks so our specialists can review your recovery.

Most soreness, redness, or swelling improves within 2–5 days. Small scabs may form and usually fall away naturally within 1–2 weeks as the skin heals.

Contact us if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, or unusual discharge.

If you have concerns about your recovery, please contact the clinic.

Urgent issues, such as unexpected pain or concerning symptoms, are reviewed the same day. Non-urgent recovery questions are usually answered within 24 hours. Your included follow-up appointment also allows us to check healing progress.

Bowenoid papulosis is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, usually intimate contact. There is no risk to pets, and household transmission risk is very low.

As a precaution, avoid sharing towels and wash your hands after touching the treated area while it heals.

Following your aftercare instructions is the most important step. You can also support healing by:

• Avoiding shaving or waxing the area while healing
• Not picking scabs
• Maintaining good general health and sleep
• Stopping smoking, which can slow HPV clearance

Attend your follow-up appointment so healing can be properly assessed.

You should wait until the skin has fully healed before resuming sexual activity, usually around two weeks or once scabs have naturally fallen off and the area is no longer tender.

Resuming sex too early may delay healing, cause irritation or infection.

There is no strong clinical evidence that supplements can treat or clear bowenoid papulosis. A healthy lifestyle supports immune function, but supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment.

Always check with your clinician before starting new supplements.

Yes. One follow-up appointment is typically included within four weeks of treatment to check healing and assess whether any further treatment is needed.

Recurrence is possible because HPV can remain in surrounding skin cells even after lesions are removed.

Treatment is effective at clearing existing lesions, but monitoring and early review of any new changes helps maintain long-term control.