Are you looking for a genital wart cream that works? Genital warts are a common virus that affects both men and women, but they can be permanently removed with the right treatment procedure.
We’ll look at the best genital wart creams on the market and talk about how to pick the right one for you.
What is a genital wart?
Genital warts are small, flesh-colored, or gray swellings in the genital area or around the anus although they can also occur in the mouth or throat. These flesh-colored swellings are a result of an infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
They cause pain, discomfort, itching and sometimes bleeding from the vagina or anus when infected.
What causes genital warts?
The Human papillomavirus known as HPV in a short form is the cause of genital warts. HPV is a virus with more than 40 strains and some of these strains can affect the genital area.
This virus is sexually transmitted or it can spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex – anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected partner with or without penetration. Therefore it is important to practice safe sex at all times.
Although genital warts and cancer are caused by the virus HPV, interestingly, the strain that causes cancer such as cervical cancer is different from the types that cause genital warts according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The strains of HPV that cause genital warts are types 6 and types 11. Surprisingly, only 10% of those who are exposed to HPV are infected with the virus.
Other reasons why genital warts can develop so easily include having a weakened immune system, smoking, and having multiple sexual partners whose medical records are not up-to-date and hence are not clear.
The virus can also be transmitted during nonsexual contact, such as childbirth, or through shared items like towels or clothing.
What are genital wart creams made of
Genital wart creams are made of different chemical constituents. Some of these constituents include podophyllin, podofilox, trichloroacetic acid, and imiquimod.
Podophyllin is a resin extracted from the roots of the plant Podophyllum and is applied topically to genital wart-affected areas.
In a study conducted, 27 patients with genital warts were treated with a combined therapy of podophyllin, sinecatechins, and cryotherapy. The result showed that there was an initial clearance rate of 96.3%. It is however not clear what the final result was.
Podofilox on the other hand causes genital wart necrosis (death) because it is an antimitotic (stops cell division) drug. It is used specifically for the treatment of anal and genital warts.
Several studies have reported that 80-90% solution of TCA can treat genital warts. TCA carries out this process by using chemical coagulation of proteins to destroy warts.
Aldara (imiquimod) cream for genital warts
Aldara cream is also known as imiquimod. Imiquimod is an immunomodulatory drug used to treat skin conditions. It is available as a cream and it works by stimulating the immune responses of the innate and adaptive immune system.
It has shown efficacy and safety in treating genital warts by those who have applied it in affected areas. According to AAFP, imiquimod is one of the available treatment options for genital warts, along with podofilox.
A study revealed how uncircumcised men with penile warts associated with the foreskin achieved 62% total clearance after they were treated 3 times a week with 5% imiquimod cream.
Does wart cream work on genital warts?
It is clear from the above explanation that wart cream works on genital warts because the chemical constituents they are made of discourage the growth and expansion of genital warts.
However, it is not recommended to use over-the-counter wart creams to treat genital warts because it is necessary that your healthcare provider does a proper diagnosis and recommend proper treatment options that are appropriate for your specific case.
Can you buy genital wart cream over the counter?
It is not recommended to use over-the-counter wart creams to treat genital warts because it is necessary that your healthcare provider does a proper diagnosis and recommend proper treatment options that are appropriate for your specific case.
The best over-the-counter genital wart cream
You may be asking, what cream to treat a genital wart? How can I pick the right one?
Well, It is best if you see a dermatologist who would prescribe a wart medicine for you. Do not buy without a prescription because it is risky to your health for several reasons which include but are not limited to not knowing the proper dosage and how the drug may interact with other medications.
It is worth noting that some drugs do not require a prescription because they are considered safe for general use because they have a low risk of side effects but this does not apply to the genital wart.
Although genital warts do not result in more serious health issues such as cancer. However, genital warts can cause psychological distress or discomfort in some cases, and they can also increase the risk of transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Where to buy genital wart cream
The best place to buy genital wart cream is at the hospital or clinic where your healthcare provider gave you prescription cream for genital warts. This is applicable to anal warts cream as well.
What is the best genital wart cream UK?
The Medicines Act of 1968 prescription medications can only be sold or supplied by a pharmacist if they are provided with a valid prescription from a doctor.
Therefore, getting the best genital wart cream in the UK requires that you see a licensed doctor who would perform a proper diagnosis on you before recommending any treatment.
What Next?
We’ve seen the best genital wart creams on the market and talked about how to pick the right one for you. Without wasting much time, see your healthcare provider today.
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