Warticon Cream (Podophyllotoxin)

What is Warticon?

Warticon is a prescription-only cream that is applied directly to the skin to treat genital warts. It contains the active ingredient podophyllotoxin 0.15%, a plant-based antiviral medicine.

The other ingredients in Warticon are there to make it easier to apply and help it absorb better into the skin.

What is Warticon cream used for?

Warticon cream is used to treat external genital warts, including on:

• the penis
• external female genitals

It's designed for small areas of warts on external skin alone and should not be used on internal areas.

Warticon solution vs cream

Warticon is available as both a cream and a solution. Both contain the same active ingredient, podophyllotoxin, with main difference being how they are applied:

• Warticon cream: a thicker formula that can be applied using your fingertip, making it easier to use on areas that are harder to see or reach.
• Warticon solution: a liquid formula that comes with an applicator to help apply the treatment more precisely, which can be useful for individual, visible warts.

As both forms work in the same way, the decision usually comes down to personal preference, and the location of the warts.

How does Warticon work?

Warticon works by targeting the cells within the wart and stopping them from growing and multiplying.

The active ingredient, podophyllotoxin, interferes with how cells divide, causing the wart tissue to break down over time.

As the affected cells are destroyed, the warts gradually shrink and clear, allowing healthy skin to replace them.

How long does it take for Warticon to work?

Most people see improvement over a few weeks, but it can take several treatment cycles for warts to fully clear.

The treatment is usually repeated weekly (three days on, four days off) for up to four weeks if needed.

How effective is Warticon cream?

Warticon cream is an effective, first-line treatment for treating genital warts when used as directed.

Benefits of Warticon cream

• Simple treatment cycle: used in short, structured courses, making it easy to fit into your routine.
• Stops wart cells growing: helps prevent abnormal skin cells from multiplying, leading to gradual clearance.
• Targets the affected area only: applied directly to the skin, so it works locally without affecting the rest of the body.

How to use Warticon cream

Warticon cream is used in short treatment cycles and should always be applied exactly as prescribed. It should be applied twice a day (morning and evening).

Here’s an overview of how to use it safely and effectively:

• Wash the affected area with soap and water, then dry it gently.
• Apply a small amount of cream using your fingertip to cover each wart.
• Rub it in carefully.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying.
• Close the tube tightly after use.

Avoid getting the cream on surrounding healthy skin. If you do, wash it off straight away.

An example treatment schedule might look like:

• Apply the cream three consecutive days.
• Then stop treatment for four days.

This cycle can be repeated if needed, and up to four treatment courses may be used in total.

Warticon side effects

Like all medicines, Warticon cream can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Since it's a cream, the most common side effects of Warticon are usually local to where the cream is applied. This includes:

• skin irritation at the application site
• redness, itching, or a burning sensation
• wearing away of the top layer of skin

Mild irritation is quite common, especially after a few days of use, and can be a sign the treatment is working.

When to seek medical help

Stop using Warticon cream and seek medical advice if you notice:

• severe burning, stinging, or pain
• heavy redness, swelling, or bleeding
• intense itching or skin damage around the treated area

If these symptoms occur, you should wash the cream off straight away with soap and water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Additionally, ring 999 straight away if you are experiencing any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing, tightness in your throat, swollen lips, tongue or throat.

When not to use Warticon cream

Warticon cream is not suitable for everyone, and there are certain situations where it should not be used, like:

• if you have an allergy to podophyllotoxin or any of the ingredients
• if you are under 18
• if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Importantly, even if it's suitable for you, do not use it on:

• internal areas of the body
• broken, damaged or bleeding skin

If you are ever unsure if this is right for you, speak to a doctor or pharmacist first for more advice.

Storage information

Following the correct storage guidelines helps make sure the medicine remains effective and safe to use.

• Store in a cool, dry area out of sunlight.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

When throwing it away, you should take the medication to a local pharmacy to be disposed of properly.

Alternatives to Warticon cream

There are several alternative treatments available for genital warts, depending on your individual needs and where the warts are located.

• Warticon solution (podophyllotoxin 0.5%): contains the same active ingredient but in a liquid form, which may be easier to apply to visible warts.
• Aldara cream (imiquimod): a prescription treatment that works differently by stimulating your immune system to fight the virus.

For non-medicinal options, there is:

• Cryotherapy: carried out by a healthcare professional to freeze and remove warts.
• Surgical or laser treatments: used in clinics for larger or more persistent warts.

Warticon vs Aldara

Warticon and Aldara treat genital warts in different ways, so the best choice depends on your situation.

• Warticon (podophyllotoxin): targets and removes wart tissue directly, with shorter treatment cycles.
• Aldara (imiquimod): stimulates your immune system to fight the virus, usually used over a longer period.

In short, Warticon works faster on the wart itself, while Aldara works more gradually by boosting your body’s natural response.

Frequently asked questions about Warticon cream

Does Warticon make warts go smaller?

Yes. As Warticon works by breaking down wart tissue, warts will usually shrink before clearing completely.

Can you buy Warticon over the counter?

No. Warticon is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, which means you’ll have to complete a consultation and be assessed as to whether this treatment is right for you.

Does Warticon work on skin tags?

No. Warticon is licensed for use only to treat genital warts and should not be used on skin tags.

Can Warticon be used on hand warts?

No.  Warticon is designed specifically for genital warts and not for warts on other parts of the body.

Can Warticon make warts worse?

While it can cause irritation, redness, or discomfort at first, this is often a sign the treatment is working. If you believe your warts have got worse, you should stop treatment and see a doctor.

Can you use Warticon cream on your anus?

No. Warticon should not be applied to internal areas like inside the anus.

Sources

• Warticon (2023). EMC. [Accessed 13 May 2026]
• Podophyllotoxin (2026). NICE. [Accessed 13 May 2026]