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- $Unique_ID{BRK01466}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Is Podophyllum Dangerous}
- $Subject{warts genital podophyllum genitourinary podophyllin venereal
- condylomata acuminata std venereal diseases vd cytotoxic podofilox treatment
- wart genitals treatments medication medications sexually transmitted disease
- condyloma acuminatum topical solution}
- $Volume{R-14,R-15}
- $Log{
- Sexually Transmitted Disease: Venereal Warts*0006403.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Is Podophyllum Dangerous
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-
- QUESTION: I have an embarrassing question, that I know you will handle well
- and perhaps answer in the column. I have warts on my member, and a friend
- tells me that a doctor can take them off with something called "Podof" or
- something with a name like that. He warned me it could be dangerous, but I
- must do something. Do you have any information about this that you can give
- me? Thank you very much.
-
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-
- ANSWER: The name you are looking for is "podophyllum" sometimes spelled
- "podophyllin". It is a resin made from the dried roots of mandrake or May
- apple plants. This resin is prepared as a topical solution that is applied
- directly to venereal warts (Condylomata acuminata), usually with excellent
- results. Since the solution has a potential toxicity, it must be applied by a
- physician. The podophyllum is cytotoxic (poison to cells) and since it can be
- absorbed into the body, it must be used with caution. However it is an
- excellent treatment for these warts. Marked improvement may be noticed after
- but a few weeks, but the liquid must be applied frequently and over a long
- period of time. A newer preparation, called podofilox, is considered safer
- and still quite effective and can be applied locally by the patient. Though
- there are local reactions and irritation, they are usually mild. However,
- even after successful treatment the warts may return.
-
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-