13.7 Preparations for warts and calluses

Many of these products are cheap to buy and are readily available, along with advice, from pharmacies. Some self-care medicines are available in shops and supermarkets. Please click here for further information and a patient leaflet.

Salicylic acid / Lactic Acid

• Paint (salicylic acid 16.7%, lactic acid 16.7%) (£1.71 = 10ml)
• Gel (salicylic acid 11%, lactic acid 4%) (£2.88 = 5g)

Anogenital warts

Imiquimod

• Cream 5% (£48.60 = 12 sachets)

Indications

• Warts (external genital and perianal)

Dose

• Apply thinly 3 times a week at night until lesions resolve (maximum 16 weeks)

Podophyllotoxin

• Cream 0.15% (£17.83 = 5g)
• Solution 0.5% (£14.49 = 3.5ml)

Indications

• Genital warts affecting the penis or the female external genitalia

Dose

• Apply twice daily for 3 consecutive days; treatment may be repeated at weekly intervals if necessary for a total of four 3-day treatment courses

Imiquimod 3.75%

Not routinely commissioned for use in NEW Devon CCG and South Devon and Torbay CCG, following consideration by the clinical policy committee. Click here for more information.

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