Viral warts / anogenital warts

B07/A63.0

• Description
• General measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

Superficial muco-cutaneous infection caused by the human papilloma virus.

GENERAL MEASURES

Patients with anogenital warts are at an increased risk of other STIs.

Anogenital warts:

• Pap smear should be done in women.
• Screen for other STIs.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Cutaneous warts

Treatment seldom indicated.

Anogenital warts

• Podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution.
  • Apply 12 hourly for 3 consecutive days until lesions disappear (patient application).
  • Apply petroleum jelly to surrounding skin and mucous membrane for protection.
  • Treatment may be repeated at weekly intervals if necessary for a total of four 3-day treatment courses.

OR

• Podophyllin 20% in Tinct. Benz. Co., topical.
  • Apply at weekly intervals to lesions until lesions disappear (health care professional application).
  • Apply petroleum jelly to surrounding skin and mucous membrane for protection.
  • Wash the solution off after 4 hours.

LoEII [15]

Note:

• Podophyllin is a cytotoxic agent.
• Avoid systemic absorption.
• Contraindicated in pregnancy.

REFERRAL

Extensive or recurrent anogenital warts.