This is more pronounced upon exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet light, or the use of occlusive dressings. Healing The first three phases usually occur during the initial 2-6 weeks of application. Patients should be warned that these effects will occur and that they represent the beneficial actions of the drug. The healing phase may require anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Local side effects include irritation, redness and burning.
Systemic toxicity includes neuropathies, nausea and vomiting, and lethargy.
NOTE that the podophyllum resin preparations are often suspended in tincture of benzoin. Patients should be careful to allow the application to dry before allowing the skin to assume its natural position. The lesions will blanch, become dry and decrease in size. This regimen may be repeated for up to 4 weeks of treatment. Application is made with a cotton applicator to an area less than 10 cm 2 and using less than 0.5 ml of the preparation.