Imiquimond for Genital Warts

Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD) which is caused by a virus known as HPV (human papilloma virus). This virus creates a wart-like bump on the penis, around and in the vagina, and around the anus. Genital warts are also known as condyloma and this disease can be passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse or, sometimes, oral sex.

One way to deal with genital warts is to use the herbal remedy known as Imiquimond. As a topical alternative genital wart treatment, Imiquimond exact action is still not known by doctors and scientists. But this natural remedy has shown positive effects against external genital and peri-anal warts. Imiquimond is also used for actinic keratosis, a disease characterized by wart overgrowths in various parts of the skin.

In using Imiquimond, one must remember that the treated area must not get wet. This means that one must not take a shower or go swimming until such time as indicated by the instructions for using the Imiquimond, which is about six to ten hours. One must also remember that the skin will become more sensitive to sunlight if Imiquimond is applied on it. Thus, a person using this particular alternative genital wart remedy should also avoid exposing himself or herself to too much sunlight. But if being exposed to the sun cannot be avoided, then one should wear some form of protection, such as hats and long-sleeved clothes. Likewise, one with sunburn should avoid using Imiquimond.

Imiquimond, as a natural remedy for genital warts, does not exactly destroy the virus. That is, some users of this alternative genital wart treatment may experience having new warts developing on the skin. One will just have to continue the prescribed medication. And one is cautioned against having any physical relationship for the duration because Imiquimond has not shown any capacity to prevent the spread of genital warts. Imiquimond, as an herbal remedy, is simply an “immune response modifier”.

To apply Imiquimond on the affected area, one needs to rub the cream until the cream is no longer visible. This natural remedy is usually applied once a day, for two days in a week. The application should be about 3 to 4 days apart, and not daily. And the whole duration of using this herbal remedy will be for about four months, unless, of course, one’s doctor has prescribed otherwise.

After six to ten hours of applying this alternative treatment to genital warts, the Imiquimond can be washed off by mild soap and water. The hands, too, should be washed thoroughly, both before and after applying this natural remedy on the affected areas.

The person using the Imiquimond should also watch out for possible side effects. If the side effects are serious such as difficulty of breathing, swelling of lips and tongue, and having hives, one should immediately stop using Imiquimond. But one may still use this alternative treatment to genital warts, with the supervision of a health professional, if one is experiencing only these symptoms: headache, muscle aches, fatigue, diarrhea, itching, and scabbing of skin.