Circumcision in patients with phimosis may help to clear the warts. Patients should be examined thoroughly to assess the extent of the infection and for any concomitant infections which should be treated accordingly. This is summarized in Table 3. Podophyllin is the most frequently used treatment in Hong Kong and will be discussed in detail. Podophyllotoxin is safer and more effective than podophyllin but more expensive.
Interferons modulate immune functions and inhibit viral replication.
Podophyllin Podophyllin is a plant-derived resin containing several cytotoxic compounds in unpredictable ratios. The most active of these is podophyllotoxin. Podophyllin is a cytotoxic and anti-mitotic agent and is contraindicated in pregnancy. Application to large or bleeding areas has been followed by systemic toxicity and should be avoided. It is an irritant and local reaction is not uncommon especially after the first treatment.