Aldara cream is a topical medication (one which is applied to a definite or localized area of the body) used widely for treating genital warts (a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sex with an infected partner). Genital warts occur as small flesh-colored bumps similar to cauliflowers in appearance. They can be found mostly in the genital areas as well as the throat and mouth. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which has the potential to infect almost 50 percent of men and women who are active sexually. Once can also get infected with genital warts upon exposure to contaminated medical equipment.
At present, the treatment of genital warts involves surgical procedures like laser therapy, freezing and burning off the warts. The other and more economical alternative is the application of topical medications like aldara cream which has been found to be effective and user-friendly. Once prescribed by a doctor, a patient can apply it himself directly on the wart(s) three times a week, or as prescribed by the doctor. Despite its apparent benefits and advantages, Aldara cream is not without side effects, some of which can be quite unwanted.
