The area that was treated will be quite sore for the next 4 to 5 days. Minimal scarring or decreased pigmentation (lightening) of the treated skin may occur, but usually the results of the procedure – removal of the warts – are far superior to having the warts themselves. To obtain the best results, please follow these directions:
1. For the first 7 days, shower or bathe two to three times per day. Wash all treated areas with soap and water.
2. After bathing, apply a thin layer of Bacitracin (an antibiotic ointment), which can be obtained from your pharmacy over the counter. This aids the healing process, decreases scarring, and is soothing. Your doctor may also prescribe Silvadene. If so, use the Silvadene instead of the Bacitracin.
3. Taking three 200 mg ibuprofen tablets four times per day will minimize any pain or discomfort that you might experience. Do not take them if your stomach is easily upset by this medication or by aspirin.
4. If you continue to have discomfort, a Benzocaine ointment can often provide some relief. This can be mixed with the antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin or Silvadene). Benzocaine ointment can be purchased without a prescription at your local pharmacy.
5. Warm tea bags can be applied on the wounds and may provide significant relief. Ice packs may also help.
6. If you have significant redness or discharge or if the pain has not decreased after 48 hours, please call your physician.
7. Schedule a follow-up appointment about 4 weeks after the procedure.
8. One-third of the time, the warts will return. If the warts return, see your physician immediately, rather than waiting until they multiply and enlarge. The smaller the lesions, the easier they are to treat and the less likely you are to have any scars.
9. If you had warts that were treated around the rectal area, keep your stools soft. Use stool softeners and laxatives for 2 to 3 weeks. You may also find that Benzocaine or Lidocaine ointment applied to the rectal area about 10 to 15 minutes before a bowel movement will help ease pain.
10. Stop smoking, and your partner should stop too.
11. Eat 5 helpings of fruits and vegetables per day.
12. Take a multivitamin with folic acid each day to help the immune system.
13. Be monogamous. It’s safer for you and you don’t spread the warts.
14. Women must obtain regular pap smears for the rest of their life.
15. Call for lab results in 2 weeks if any biopsies were taken.
16. Return or call if there is excessive pain, bleeding, signs of infection, or recurrence of any lesions.
17. A return check-up is recommended in 4-6 weeks.
Please feel free to ask any questions.
Republished with the permission of John L. Pfenninger, M.D. – mpcenter.net
