Wart prevention: Acidic Skin Gel May Help Reduce the Risk of (Genital) Warts

Scientific insights into pH, HPV, skin and mucosal barrier resistance, and the prevention of (genital) warts

A healthy, slightly acidic skin and mucosal barrier plays an important role in protecting the body against micro-organisms. This may also be relevant in the context of HPV infections and in reducing the likelihood of developing genital warts — and may even help lower the risk of recurrence.

It is essential, however, to communicate this carefully and in a scientifically correct way.

Healthy skin naturally possesses an acid mantle. This protective layer was designed by nature as a first line of defence against harmful external invaders. Unfortunately, this protective shield is often damaged by:

• soaps with an incorrect (alkaline) pH

• shaving foams and fragranced products

• mechanical irritation and shaving of intimate skin

When the acid mantle is disrupted, the skin becomes more vulnerable.

At Rosenberg Skin Clinic, CryoPen treatment for warts is combined with targeted advice and skin-care strategies that support local skin resistance, based on underlying biology and current scientific research.

What Does “Acidic Skin” Actually Mean?

The outer layer of the skin and mucous membranes has a slightly acidic pH:

• approximately pH 4–5 for the skin

• approximately pH 3.8–4.5 for the vaginal environment

This acid mantle helps to:

• maintain the barrier function of skin and mucous membranes

• limit the growth of undesirable micro-organisms

• support a beneficial microflora

Scientific reviews confirm that skin pH and the acid mantle play a key role in barrier integrity and microbial balance. An acidic environment makes it more difficult for many bacteria, viruses, and fungi to thrive.

Acidic Environment and HPV Infection: What Do We Know?

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that infects skin and mucosal tissue. Recent scientific studies show several relevant findings.

1. Vaginal pH and HPV Susceptibility

Recent publications indicate that vaginal pH may influence susceptibility to HPV infection. An elevated (less acidic) pH has been associated with higher HPV detection rates and a greater likelihood of persistent infection. (Springer)

2. Lactobacilli and pH Provide Protection

Research demonstrates that a healthy cervicovaginal microbiota dominated by lactobacilli maintains a stable, acidic environment (pH 3.8–4.5). This environment limits the growth of various pathogens, including bacteria associated with sexually transmitted infections, and contributes to antiviral defence mechanisms. (Springer)

3. L-Lactic Acid Strengthens Barrier Function

Laboratory studies show that lactic acid contributes to a stronger epithelial barrier by reinforcing tight junctions, thereby reducing the passage of pathogens. This supports the concept that an acidic environment can act as a functional barrier beneath the mucosal surface. (PubMed)

What Does This Mean for Genital Warts?

Genital warts are caused by HPV infection of the skin or mucous membranes. Based on current scientific knowledge, we can cautiously conclude that:

• a healthy acid mantle and intact barrier are associated with an environment in which HPV and other micro-organisms are less able to persist

• disrupted pH and microbiome imbalance are correlated in studies with increased HPV detection and persistent infection

• this approach is not absolutely preventive, but represents a relative risk-modifying factor

This does not mean that an acidic gel can guarantee prevention of HPV or genital warts. It does mean that pH-friendly skin care can be part of a broader preventive strategy, alongside immune support and safe sexual practices.

Which Other STIs Have Been Studied in Relation to pH and the Microbiome?

Scientific studies on cervicovaginal pH and microbiome composition show that an acidic environment with lactobacillus dominance is associated with a reduced risk of several pathogens, including:

• HPV (human papillomavirus)

• Chlamydia trachomatis

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Proposed mechanisms include inhibition of pathogen growth, increased mucus viscosity, and strengthened epithelial barrier proteins. (Springer)

How Does Rosenberg Skin Clinic Apply This Knowledge?

Rosenberg Skin Clinic goes beyond the physical removal of warts with CryoPen alone by combining three essential elements:

• CryoPen treatment: precise and immediate removal of visible warts

• Immune and microbiome guidance: understanding why HPV was not effectively cleared

• pH-friendly skin care: guidance toward a barrier-supportive skin environment, for example with products such as N°4 Glycolic Acid Gel

This integrated approach is designed to reduce the likelihood of recurrence, rather than offering only temporary symptom control.

Conclusion

Scientific evidence indicates that a well-functioning, acidic pH environment is associated with stronger skin and mucosal barrier function and may correlate with a lower susceptibility to HPV infection and other pathogens.

Strengthening the skin and mucosal barrier — including through pH-friendly skin care — can therefore be considered part of a broader, evidence-informed strategy to reduce the risk of genital warts.

References

• Liu Y, Li Z. Vaginal pH value can affect the susceptibility to human papillomavirus infection. BMC Infectious Diseases, 2024. Springer.

• HPV-associated cervicovaginal microbiome and host metabolome characteristics. BMC Microbiology, 2024. Springer.

• Lactic acid from vaginal microbiota enhances cervicovaginal epithelial barrier integrity. PubMed, 2022.

Schedule a discreet appointment at Rosenberg Skin Clinic in Amsterdam, Blaricum, or Utrecht.

Immediate results with CryoPen. Personalised medical advice included. WhatsApp: +31 (0)6 53 27 60 70 Phone: +31 (0)35 208 07 20 Huidspecialisten.com

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