Various choices of genital warts drugs commonly prescribed by doctors & bull; hello healthy

The use of genital wart medications is useful for destroying warts, relieving symptoms, and reducing the number of areas affected by warts. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV). This disease usually attacks the vagina or penis which is moist. Genital warts may look like small, red or skin-colored bumps and appear in groups. However, sometimes genital warts are not visible because they are very small. So you may not even notice.

Genital warts drugs come in various forms. Starting from the form of cream, gel, to liquid. There are genital warts medicines that can be applied at home and some need to be applied with the help of medical personnel in clinics or hospitals.

Genital warts medicine that can be used at home

1. Imiqumoid (Aldara, Zyclara)

This cream is used to increase the immune system's ability to fight genital warts. Usually, Imiquimod cream should be applied once a day at bedtime or three times a week for about 16 weeks. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease condition. The genital area smeared with this cream should be washed with soap and water 6 to 10 hours after application.

It is important to remember, avoid sexual contact while the cream is still on your skin because it can weaken the resistance of the condom, both male condoms and female condoms. In addition, if this cream sticks to your partner's genital skin it can cause an irritating reaction. If you suffer from genital warts while pregnant, consult a doctor immediately because this cream has not been tested safe for pregnant women.

Side effects: Local inflammatory reactions include redness, irritation, hardened genital warts such as calluses and sores. The skin around the genitals may also experience hypopigmentation or a lighter color than the skin color due to reduced melanin. Other side effects include pain in several parts of the body, coughing, and feeling tired.

2. Sinechatechin (Veregen)

This ointment is used for the treatment of external genital warts and warts around the anus. Sinecatechin ointment contains green tea extract which is rich in catechins in it. Patients are required to apply it three times a day with fingers. This product should not be used for longer than 16 weeks.

This ointment should not be washed off after application to the skin. You should avoid genital, anal, or oral sexual contact if the ointment is still on your skin. Just like Imiqumoid, this drug can weaken the resistance of both male condoms and female condoms.

This ointment is not recommended for people with HIV, people with weakened immune systems, and people with genital herpes because its efficacy has not been medically tested. In addition, there is no guarantee that this ointment is safe to use during pregnancy.

Side effects: Redness of the skin, itching, burning, and pain. You will also experience a watery rash, edema, and hardened genital skin like calluses.

3. Podofilox

Podofilox is a genital wart medication that is meant to destroy warts. Usually the price is relatively cheap but safe and easy to use. Podofilox consists of two types, namely gel and solution. Podofilox solution must be applied with cotton to the wart. Meanwhile, you can apply Podofilox gel with your fingers. You can apply this medicine twice for three days in a row and then continue for four days without any other therapy.

This cycle can be repeated, if necessary, up to four cycles. The total area of the wart treated should not exceed 10 cm and the total volume should be limited to 0.5 ml per day. You must consult a doctor to ask about the proper and safe use.

Also keep in mind, Podofilox is not recommended for use on warts on the cervix, vagina, and anus. Podofilox is also not recommended for use in large areas.

Side effects: You may experience mild to moderate pain. You may also experience irritation on the treated area. Like other genital wart medications, this drug has not been proven safe for use during pregnancy.

Treatment of genital warts at the doctor

1. Podophyllin

Podophyllin is a plant-based resin that destroys genital wart tissue. The concentration is usually in the range of 10 to 25 percent. This medication should be applied to each wart on your genital area and allowed to dry before the area comes into contact with clothing. Mistakes in use can cause irritation and treatment failure.

Therefore, usually this drug is not applied alone, but with the help of a doctor or medical officer. The treatment can be repeated every week, if needed. All return to the condition of the disease and advice from the doctor who treats you. To avoid the risk of complications due to misuse, there are several guidelines that need to be followed, namely:

Applications should be limited to less than 0.5 ml per use.
There are no open lesions or wounds in the area of application.
The treated area should be thoroughly washed with soap and water after 1-4 hours of application as recommended by the doctor to reduce possible irritation.

Podophyllin berlum has been tested safe for use by pregnant women. So that further consultation with an expert doctor is needed.

2. Tricholoacetic acid (TCA) or bichloroacetic acid (BCA) 80–90%

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or 80-90 percent bichloroacetic acid is a chemical treatment that works by destroying warts by chemically freezing proteins. TCA solutions have a low viscosity comparable to water and can disperse rapidly if over-applied. As a result, this drug can actually damage the healthy tissue adjacent to genital warts.

Doctors usually only apply a small amount on the warts on your genital area and leave them to dry so they don't spread to other parts. Treatment can be repeated every week if needed according to conditions. Unlike other drugs, TCA and BCA are proven safe and effective for use in pregnant women.

Side effects: You may feel very intense pain. However, this condition can be neutralized with liquid soap or sodium bicarbonate. If the amount of acid applied is excessive, the treated area should be neutralized with talcum powder or sodium bicarbonate, for example baking soda, to eliminate the acid reaction.

You should always consult your doctor for any treatment you do. Never buy over-the-counter drugs without a doctor's prescription because of the risk of worsening the condition. Don't forget to ask your doctor for an explanation about how to use it properly so that warts can be treated optimally.