Aldara Cream For The Treatment Of Genital Warts
Genital warts may be small, flat, flesh-colored bumps or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps. In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, near the anus, or between the penis and the scrotum. In women, genital warts may grow on the vulva and perineal area, in the vagina and on the cervix. Genital warts vary in size and may even be so small that you can't see them. They can lead to cancer of the cervix in women or cancer of the penis in men.
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The most common way to get HPV is by having oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HPV. The only sure way to prevent genital warts is to not have sex. If you are sexually active, having sex only with a partner who doesn't have HPV and only has sex with you will lower your risk of getting genital warts.
Just because you can't see warts on your partner doesn't mean he or she doesn't have HPV. The infection can have a long incubation period. This means that months can pass between the time a person is infected with the virus and the time a person notices genital warts. Sometimes, the warts can take years to develop. In women, the warts may be where you can't see them--inside the body, on the surface of the cervix.
Because Aldara cream doesn't cure Human Papilloma Virus, the cause of genital and perianal warts, new warts may form during treatment. Aldara cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms, so sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. How Aldara cream affects the spread of genital warts to a partner is not known. A woman who is or becomes pregnant while using Aldara cream should notify her health care provider immediately. Do not use Aldara to treat internal (inside the vagina or anus) warts. Skin color changes to the application site have also been reported. Do not cover warts with bandages or other closed dressings. Avoid using overly large amounts of cream. A thin layer that completely covers each wart is enough.
What Is Aldara Cream For The Treatment Of Genital Warts
Aldara is an off-white oil-in-water vanishing cream.
How To Use Aldara Cream For The Treatment Of Genital Warts
Typically, dosing is once a day, 3 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Apply Aldara cream at bedtime, after bathing, so you do not wash off the cream. Treatment with Aldara cream should continue until the warts are completely gone, or up to 16 weeks.
Side Effects Of Aldara Cream For The Treatment Of Genital Warts
Aldara cream doesn't destroy healthy skin. Most people who use Aldara cream don't complain of pain. One of the most common side effects is redness. This may be a sign that your immune system is working. Other common side effects are peeling of the skin, itching, flaking, and swelling around the warts.