Question about genital warts and Aldara...?

Question

I had an outbreak of genital warts in my pubic hair region about 2 months ago. I finally went to the doctor a month ago, he said it was from HPV, and he gave me the Aldara cream, a 4 week supply. I have since then used all the cream and they are not completely gone. They have turned into huge, red, ugly and unattractive scabs. Although they no longer itch from using the cream, I'm not sure if they will continue to heal and go away or not.

So my question is, should I get another prescription of the Aldara cream, or if they're already at the scabbing point, will they continue to heal up with the use of something like Neosporin. My issue is the cream costs 80 dollars.

Answer 1

You might want to get another months worth since they aren't completely gone. Plus, they might come back someday and then you will have the cream already (as long as it's not expired by then). I wouldn't use Neosporin though if I were you. It's best to keep the warts dry so they can scab and heal.

It took me a good 5 weeks for my genital warts to go away using Aldara. You just have to be patient.

It sounds like you are at least at the end of it. Hopefully within another week or so they will be completely gone. Good luck!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Aldara (Imiquimod) is the best treatment on the market especially as it has the lowest recurrence rate (10%) of any other available treatment. Aldara is supplied as a cream and is applied directly to the wart. It causes CD8+ and CD4+ cells to produce interferon-alpha, interleukins-2 and -12, all of which combine to help these cells destroy the wart. These cells retain their ability to attack HPV infected cells and thus reduce the chances of the wart returning. Aldara comes in a 5% strength cream; when used 3 times weekly in one clinical trial, it was effective in as many as 77% of women and 40% of men. In another study the results were slightly better, mainly because the cream was used daily. Everyday use, however, was associated with greater skin irritation, which explains why the thrice-weekly dose is preferred, though skin irritation does occur on the 3x weekly regimen, too. The symptoms you described (rash) is hard to diagnose without seeing it, but it is most likely skin irritation. You should always let your healthcare practioner know when any new symptom appears while on treatment for anything. Some warts can be resistant. I would finish the full 12 week cycle and if the warts are still present, you may need to look at more invasive treatments (with trained physicians) like CO2 laser, trichloracetic acid, electroexcision, scissor excision and fulguration may require local/general anesthesia. Low rates of complications if performed by an experienced physician. HOWEVER, warts often have a high persistence/recurrence rate, but more than 90% of patients with external genital warts experience complete clearance within 2 years with or without treatment...but just because the warts disappear does not necessarily mean the HPV has cleared. I know it's complicated!!! Patients with later stages of HIV also tend to respond poorly to treatment. PS . Aldara should be wiped off after 6-8 hours. Do you sleep for longer than that? If so, you may want to think about washing it off after about 7 hours and going back to bed.

Answer 4

Aldara can be very irritating; it can cause blistering and ulcerated areas.

I was advised by my dermatologist not to use neosporin on the vulva area. A few weeks later I saw that this cream was one of the top ten allergens.

You may not be allergic to neopsorin...but right now the skin is irritated and it wouldn’t be good to use something else that may cause an irritation. I don't think you should use Aldara until the skin has clamed down a bit.

Aldara can be used for up to 13 weeks...so once this area has clamed down a bit you can go back to using Aldara. . Aveeno and, baking soda baths are good for the itching…

A bath in Epsom salts can sooth and help heal your vulva. This was one of the recommendations in HPVTODAY newsletter a few issues back.
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Aldara works with the immune system so this allows it to have more benefits than some other treamtments can’t offer, but if it is too expensive you may want to use a freezing or burning on warts that remain. If you warts are still evident after some healing be frank with your doctor and explain that Aldara is expensive and ask for another method to remove your vulva warts .

Check the Aldara website see for the $50 off coupon…and I hope you qualify.

I wish you well.

Answer 5

i have HPV/genital warts, and it took some time for them to go away. i would speak w/ your doctor and if s/he thinks it's a good idea to change method, then go for it; otherwise i would give it more time. makes sure you are using the medication as recommended. in the mean time, find a job w/ better insurance!

ps. there is hope; i was diagnosed in 2004 and did not have an outbreak for 3 years (currently i have one). i also find a loving and supportive boyfriend. so, don't worry, things will get better soon. the first step is battling the first outbreak, the ones after that are usually better. also, keep up your immune system...eat well, excercise, etc., so your body will learn to fight the warts on its own

Answer 6

No I would go back to the doctor, you may be allergic to that cream.

I don't want to scare you but this sounds a little more serious, have him to run a full blood panel on you, it sounds like you may have contracted Herpes.

Answer 7

My dear molu put some turmeric cream on the area you can find very big changes

Answer 8

google it for great info and treatment

Answer 9

get the medicine