Regarding the use of phenol for the treatment of anal and rectal warts?
Hello Doctor, I started using Podophyllotoxin to treat anal warts six weeks ago after my previous visit.
The doctor initially diagnosed them as being inside the anal canal and recommended Podophyllotoxin because of its lower recurrence rate.
During the treatment, I noticed a very good reaction around the anal area, with small white bumps appearing that would fall off within a few days.
Although they keep reappearing, they are getting smaller, and I believe in the efficacy of the medication.
However, I am currently facing an issue.
I am applying Podophyllotoxin inside the anal canal, but I am not seeing the same reaction as I did externally (such as the wounds created after the white bumps fall off).
When I insert my finger, I can clearly feel a lot of small bumps all around, and they do not seem to be falling off at all.
Touching them does not cause any pain, unlike the external area.
Should I consider switching to Aldara or another treatment? For the past six weeks, I have only noticed the external bumps falling off, while there has been no significant change internally.
I appreciate your help.
The doctor initially told me that Podophyllotoxin could also be used within 1-2 fingerbreadths of the anal canal, but I haven't observed any positive signs.
Xiao Hua, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/30
Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Hello, regarding the warts inside the anus, theoretically, you should be able to achieve similar good treatment results as you described for the external anal warts.
Since you have already been using the treatment for six weeks, I recommend that you return for a follow-up appointment to discuss with your physician whether a change in medication is necessary or if surgical options should be considered.
Reply Date: 2019/10/30
More Info
Managing anal warts can be a challenging process, especially when using topical treatments like phenol. It seems you have been using phenol for about six weeks to treat anal warts, and while you have observed some positive effects on the external warts, the internal warts appear to be persistent and unchanged. Let's delve into the efficacy of phenol for internal treatment and explore your options.
Phenol is a caustic agent that is often used in the treatment of warts, including anal warts, due to its ability to destroy the wart tissue. It works by denaturing proteins and causing cell death in the wart tissue, which can lead to the wart falling off. However, the effectiveness of phenol can vary based on the location and type of warts being treated.
In your case, it seems that the external warts have responded well to the treatment, as indicated by the white growths falling off. This is a positive sign that the phenol is working effectively on the external lesions. However, the internal warts have not shown similar signs of improvement, which can be concerning. The persistence of these internal warts could be due to several factors, including the depth of the lesions, the specific characteristics of the warts, or even the technique of application.
It's important to note that while phenol can be used internally, it may not penetrate as effectively as it does on the surface. The internal anal canal has a different tissue structure and may require a different approach. If the internal warts are not responding to phenol, it may be time to consider alternative treatments.
You mentioned the possibility of switching to "樂得美" (likely referring to imiquimod) or "疣" (which translates to warts, but may refer to another treatment). Imiquimod is an immune response modifier that can be effective for treating genital and anal warts. It works by stimulating the immune system to fight the HPV (human papillomavirus) that causes warts. This treatment may be more effective for internal warts, as it can help the body recognize and eliminate the virus.
Before making any changes to your treatment regimen, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess the current state of your internal warts and determine the best course of action. They may recommend a different topical treatment, a combination of therapies, or even procedural options such as cryotherapy or laser treatment, which can be more effective for stubborn internal warts.
In summary, while phenol has shown efficacy for your external anal warts, the lack of response in the internal area suggests that a different approach may be necessary. Consulting with your healthcare provider will provide you with tailored advice and treatment options that can help manage your condition more effectively. Remember, persistence in treatment and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to successfully managing anal warts.
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