What medications or substances are used to treat genital warts?

The substances used are podophyllotoxin, imiquimod, and trichloroacetic acid. The first two are applied by the woman herself. Trichloroacetic acid is applied by the physician and is therefore only used in a limited number of cases, where there is some relevant medical indication.

Podophyllotoxin

Used as a solution or a cream. It is applied locally on the warts, twice a day for three days. Treatment is paused for 4 days and repeated for another 3 days. This process is usually repeated 3-4 times. The use of a small mirror is sometimes necessary. For the solution, a cotton swab stick is usually used, while the cream is applied with the fingers. The skin of the area may become irritated.

Imiquimod cream

This cream both destroys warts and stimulates the immune system. It causes the release of interferon and other substances locally, boosting the body’s local immunity. The cream is applied locally with the fingers at night before going to bed, three times a week. After 6-10 hours, the area is rinsed to reduce irritation. The treatment may be continued for up to 16 weeks.

Ointment with sinecatechins

This is a preparation with immune-stimulating, antioxidant, and antiviral substances (Sinecatechins/Polyphenon E). The substances contained in the ointment come from the extract of green tea leaves (camelia sinensis plant). This ointment is applied three times a day locally, on warts of the genital organs and anal area. The treatment may last up to 12 weeks.

Trichloroacetic acid solution

It is used as an 80-90% solution and is not contraindicated during pregnancy, like the other pharmaceutical treatments. A small quantity of the solution is applied by the doctor on the wart. It usually requires repeated applications once a week.