Podophyllum Resin
Podophyllum resin is a plant-derived solution applied to external genital warts. PockDose lists it as Podowart, a topical treatment supplied in 10ml bottles.
What podophyllum resin treats
Podophyllum resin is an extract of the roots of Podophyllum plants, sold as a topical solution for external genital warts (condyloma acuminata) — the small fleshy growths caused by some types of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is painted on the wart itself. Warts on mucous membranes, such as inside the vagina or rectum or around the anus, are not treated with it, and it is not for ordinary warts on the hands, feet or face. Genital warts pass between people by skin contact during sex and may only show up weeks later.
How it clears a wart
Wart cells divide quickly. Podophyllum resin stops that division, so the cells stop multiplying and the tissue breaks down. Over the days after each application the wart softens, shrinks and in time comes away. The effect stays on the skin the solution touches. Using too much, or leaving it on too long, lets more resin pass through the skin into the body, and that is where the serious effects begin.
Applying the solution
Podowart is the podophyllum resin listing here, a 10ml bottle of solution, and it sits in Skin Care with the other wart and skin treatments. Use the applicator to dab a little on each wart. Keep it off the healthy skin around it, because solution that runs onto normal skin makes it sore and does nothing for the wart. Let it dry before clothing covers the area, then wash your hands. If any gets in an eye, rinse with plenty of water at once.
Side effects worth knowing
Redness, burning, stinging and soreness in the treated patch are the usual reactions, and they normally ease between applications. Using more of the solution, or covering a wider area than the warts themselves, is what brings on the worse reactions: pain that builds up, swelling, open sores or a discharge from the area need urgent treatment. Warts also have a habit of returning once they have cleared, so a second course is sometimes needed.
Pregnancy and storage
Podophyllum resin is not used during pregnancy. Keep the bottle closed and upright, somewhere cool rather than warm, and out of children's reach.
Sources
- Podofilox Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus
- Label: PODOFILOX solution - DailyMed — DailyMed
Where can I order Podophyllum Resin for delivery in Hong Kong?
Podophyllum Resin can be ordered from PockDose with delivery to Hong Kong. The page lists Podowart in 10ml bottles. Tracked courier delivery takes 5 to 9 business days and comes with online tracking.
How much does Podophyllum Resin cost?
Podowart is priced per pack: its page lists every strength and pack size with the current price in HKD or your chosen currency.
Do I need a prescription to order Podophyllum Resin?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order podophyllum resin. See the ordering FAQ for details.
How often is podophyllum resin applied?
It is not a daily treatment. Applications are spaced out, with days in between for the skin to settle, and a course usually runs over a few weeks.
Can podophyllum resin be used on warts in other places?
No. It is meant for warts on the outer genitals only. It is not applied to warts inside the vagina or rectum, around the anus, or in the mouth, and it is not for everyday warts on the hands, feet or face, where the skin is too delicate for it.
Is podophyllum resin the same as podofilox?
They are close relatives rather than the same thing. Podofilox, also called podophyllotoxin, is a single purified compound; podophyllum resin is the plant extract and contains several related compounds. Both are painted onto external genital warts to break the tissue down.
How long does podophyllum resin take to work?
The wart does not disappear on contact. The tissue breaks down over the days after each application, and clearing the visible warts usually takes a few weeks of treatment. Some warts need a second course.
Does podophyllum resin sting?
A burning or stinging feeling as it goes on is common, and the skin often looks red and feels tender for a day or so. It should settle before the next application. A thin dab on each wart is enough; a heavier layer only irritates the skin.