References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Warticon is a prescription cream used to treat external genital warts at home. It contains podophyllotoxin, a plant-derived chemical that destroys wart tissue by stopping the infected cells from dividing. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed genital wart treatments in the UK and is applied in treatment cycles over several weeks.
If you’ve been diagnosed with genital warts and want to know how Warticon works, how to apply it, and what results to expect, this guide covers everything.
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What Is Warticon?
Warticon (podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution or 0.15% cream) is a topical treatment for external genital and perianal warts caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), typically strains 6 and 11. It’s applied directly to the warts and works by causing the wart cells to die and eventually fall off.
Warticon is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. It’s not available over the counter. You’ll need a prescription from your GP, sexual health clinic, or an online prescriber.
How to Use Warticon
Warticon is applied in treatment cycles:
Treatment cycle
- Apply twice daily (morning and evening) for 3 consecutive days
- Then stop for 4 days (no application)
- This 7-day cycle = one treatment course
- Repeat for up to 4 cycles (4 weeks total)
How to apply
- Wash and dry the affected area before application
- Apply a thin layer of cream or a small amount of solution to each wart using the applicator provided
- Avoid applying to healthy surrounding skin (you can protect it with petroleum jelly)
- Wash your hands thoroughly after application
- Do not cover with plasters or bandages
- Do not apply to internal warts (inside the vagina, urethra, or anus)
What to expect
- Warts may redden, swell, and become sore during the 3 days of application. This is normal and means the treatment is working.
- During the 4-day break, the inflammation settles and wart tissue starts to break down.
- Warts typically shrink progressively over the 4-week treatment period.
- Some warts may fall off after 1-2 cycles. Others may need the full 4 cycles.
How Effective Is Warticon?
Studies show that Warticon clears genital warts in 45-80% of patients within the 4-week treatment period. The response rate varies depending on the size, number, and location of warts.
Some points to be aware of:
- Small, new warts respond better than large, established ones
- Wart recurrence after treatment is common (around 30-40%), as the treatment removes the wart but doesn’t eliminate the underlying HPV virus
- If warts haven’t improved after 4 cycles, your doctor may recommend a different treatment (such as Aldara/imiquimod or clinical removal)
Side Effects
Local skin reactions are expected and usually indicate the treatment is working:
- Burning or stinging at the application site (very common)
- Redness and inflammation (expected)
- Soreness or tenderness
- Skin erosion or peeling around treated warts
- Itching
These effects are usually worst during the 3 days of application and settle during the 4-day break. If the burning or erosion is severe, you can stop the current cycle early and restart after the skin has healed.
Serious side effects are rare. Contact your doctor if you experience severe pain, bleeding, signs of infection (pus, increasing redness, fever), or if the reaction extends significantly beyond the wart area.
Warticon vs Aldara: How Do They Compare?
| Feature | Warticon (podophyllotoxin) | Aldara (imiquimod) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Directly destroys wart cells | Boosts immune response against HPV |
| Application | Twice daily, 3 days on / 4 days off, up to 4 cycles | 3 times per week at bedtime, up to 16 weeks |
| Treatment length | Up to 4 weeks | Up to 16 weeks |
| Clearance rate | 45-80% | 50-75% |
| Recurrence rate | 30-40% | 10-20% (lower due to immune response) |
| Best for | Fewer, smaller, well-defined warts | Larger areas, multiple warts |
Your doctor will recommend the best option based on the size, location, and number of your warts.
Where to Get Warticon in the UK
- Sexual health clinics: Free prescription and dispensing
- Your GP: Prescription after diagnosis
- Online prescription services: After online consultation
Check Warticon availability online →
Read more: Aldara cream | Condyline | Genital warts guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have sex while using Warticon?
Genital warts are contagious through skin contact. Using condoms reduces transmission risk but doesn’t eliminate it, as condoms don’t cover all affected skin. Ideally, avoid sexual contact with the treated area until warts have fully cleared.
What if my warts come back after Warticon?
Recurrence is common because Warticon treats the wart but not the underlying HPV virus. If warts return, a second course of Warticon or a switch to Aldara may be recommended. In many cases, the immune system eventually clears HPV on its own, and warts stop recurring.
Can I use Warticon on facial warts?
No. Warticon is only for external genital and perianal warts. Common warts on hands or feet, and facial warts, require different treatments. See your pharmacist or GP.
Is Warticon safe in pregnancy?
Warticon should not be used during pregnancy. Podophyllotoxin may be harmful to the developing baby. If you’re pregnant and have genital warts, your doctor will recommend alternative treatments such as cryotherapy (freezing).
Related reading
- Are Genital Warts Clearable?
- Can You Clear HPV Once You Have It?
- Cervical Screening When You Have HIV
- Genital Warts vs Herpes: What's the Difference?
- How to Prevent HPV
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
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