What is warticon?
Warticon is a brand of medication that’s used for the treatment of genital warts. It contains the active ingredient podophyllotoxin and comes either as a solution or as a cream. Both forms are to be used topically on the affected area/s.
Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, but not the same strain that causes cervical cancer. However, the HPV vaccine that’s offered to year-8 girls across the country does also protect against genital warts, but unfortunately the condition hasn’t been eradicated yet.
How does warticon work?
Warticon’s active ingredient, podophyllotoxin, is derived from the root of the mayapple plant. Although most natural treatments are thought of as gentle, podophyllotoxin works by attacking the wart cells and stopping them from multiplying, effectively killing the warts.
Once the warts have been killed, the skin is replaced with new, healthy cells, and the warts disappear.
Warticon can’t cure the human papilloma virus (HPV), but it can treat the symptoms of genital warts.
Can I use warticon?
Warticon can be used by most males and females with genital warts, but only for ones that are external (either on the penis or the external female genitalia). However, you should avoid using the medication if:
- You’re allergic to podophyllotoxin or any of the ingredients in warticon
- Your warts are in an area with broken or damaged skin
- You’re already using another medication containing podophyllotoxin
- You’re pregnant
You should ask your doctor’s advice if your warts cover an area bigger than 4cm squared, as warticon might have to be applied by a healthcare professional, or may not be the most suitable treatment for your lesions.
What are the side effects of warticon?
Most people only experience mild side effects, and these are usually at the site of application. The most common complaints include:
- Skin erosion at the side of application
- Skin irritation at the site of application
Most patients find that the irritation is bearable, but if you’re finding it too severe, rinse the area with warm water and consult your GP as you may be experiencing an allergic reaction.
Some of the less-common side effects that you may need to be aware of include:
- Hypersensitivity at side of application
- Skin ulcers
- Scabs
- Skin discolouration
- Blisters
- Dry skin
- Pain at application site
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Caustic injury
- Wound secretion
If you experience any of these to an alarming degree, please consult your doctor or visit a local brook clinic for advice, as there may be other treatments you can use that will cause less discomfort.
How do you use warticon?
Warticon comes either as a solution or as a cream, and both should be applied topically, directly to the genital warts.
You should apply warticon twice a day, morning and night (leaving 12 hours between each application) for three days. After this, you should take a 4-day break. You can then resume treatment if the warts haven’t disappeared for a total of up to 4 weeks.
Always use the applicator that comes with the bottle or tube to apply the medicine and wash your hands after use, as genital warts are contagious and you don’t want to inadvertently spread them to unaffected areas.
Allow the cream or solution to dry fully before letting the opposing skin touch. This might mean sitting or lying on your bed in a certain position to allow the air to reach the affected areas completely. Where possible, try to avoid applying warticon to unaffected/healthy skin, as this might harm cells and cause damage to the skin. Don’t cover the treated area with a plaster or bandage. Allow to air-dry.
Make sure you only apply warticon to soft, fleshy, external warts. Internal warts need to be treated via another method such as laser treatment or surgical removal. The same can be said for warts that have hardened, as these will likely need removing by a doctor. It’s also important to not use the cream or solution on broken, damaged or irritated skin due to the fact that it can increase the risk of side effects.
Warticon is a highly flammable substance, so it’s important not to smoke whilst or just after applying the treatment.
Only use the amount that is stated on the bottle or tube, as an overdose can increase the risk of adverse side effects and skin irritation.
Avoid contact with eyes and do not swallow warticon. If the medication comes into contact with your eyes, rinse with warm water and seek urgent treatment. If you swallow any warticon by mistake, please go to the nearest A&E department. In both cases, take the bottle or tube with you to show the doctor
Can I still have sex when using warticon?
It’s generally advised to avoid sex whilst using the treatment, as the solution or cream might harm your partner’s unaffected skin. It’s also important to remember that whilst you still have genital warts, they’re still contagious and you’re able to transmit them through sex.
Another reason it’s a good idea to avoid intercourse is because warticon can damage condoms, leaving you and your partner as risk of STIs and pregnancy.
Will genital warts still be contagious after using warticon?
Unfortunately, the HPV virus may still be active, and even if you have no physical symptoms of genital warts, you may still be able to transmit them.
People with healthy immune systems can either clear the virus or push it into a dormant state, but there is always a chance that you may never permanently get rid of the virus. You may also be infected by a different strain that can cause a new bout of genital warts in the future. However, if warts haven’t been visible for around 2 years, they’re considered to be unlikely to reappear or be transmitted.
What other treatments are available for genital warts?
Depending on the severity of the warts, several treatment options are available, including:
- Freezing the warts
- Burning the warts
- Cutting the wart if the base is small enough
- Surgical removal
- Laser treatment
All of the above treatment methods must be carried out by a doctor or healthcare professional. Other topical treatments may also be available depending on the severity of your condition.
How is my order shipped to me?
When an order is ready for shipping, it is collected and delivered by either the Royal Mail or DPD depending on your preference (or possibly your location or the item you ordered). Each order is assigned a tracking number, which will be emailed to you at the time of dispatch. Your medicine will be sent in plain and discreet packaging that’s eco-friendly. We do not include any branding on our packaging nor any labels which inform readers what type of product is contained within.
