How to Use Podophyllotoxin for Wart Removal

Sourced from podophyllin resin, podophyllotoxin is found in the roots of podophyllum  plants- commonly found in the wild eastern North America. A potent poison, it can prove to be cathartic if used properly. Podophyllotoxin is an antimitotic which means that it prevents viral warts from taking part in cell division and eventually multiplying. This makes the warts die to leave space for healthy cell to grow in.

The chemical has, for centuries, been used for its medicinal and poisonous properties in treating parasitic worm infections, snake bites, laxative, treating deafness, and even as a suicidal potion.

Even though the use of this chemical is still limited, podophyllotoxin is a medicine which is present as a cream and solution used to treat anogenital warts.

One needs to be extremely careful when it comes to applying podophyllotoxin and should be done according to directions.

• Completely dry the affected area after thoroughly washing it with soap and water.

 

• Apply the prescribed cream or solution with a cotton-tipped applicator to cover each wart. Be sure to wait for the treated area to dry out completely before it comes in contact with the normal, untreated skin.

• Daily, application should be done on warts twice for three consecutive days. For a maximum of five successive weeks, the treatment can be repeated until the wart is completely gone.

• In order to prevent unintended contact with healthy skin, apply a layer of vaseline or zinc ointment to give a protective layer.

• In case it does touch there is irritation in the healthy skin, keep the area under running water for around fifteen minutes or more.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after each application

Studies have shown that podophyllotoxin should never be given to pregnant or lactating women as it may turn out to be harmful to the fetus. Because podophyllotoxin preparations contain alcohol, they may be flammable. Thus, they should never be used near heat, open flames, or while smoking.

Side-effects

You may experience itching on application of the cream or solution on the second or the third day caused by the necrosis of the warts. Tenderness, redness, itching, slight pain, even slight ulceration of the areas may be caused during the period of the treatment which can be minimised by using anti-inflammatory creams.
Because podophyllotoxin is so potent, one should be extremely careful not only of its application, but also of the effect it has on your skin.

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