Sexual Health
How to Get Rid of Genital Warts: UK Medical Treatments and Online Prescriptions
Genital warts are a common and treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and this guide explains the safest and most effective ways to manage them in the UK.
Genital warts are the second most common STI diagnosed by UK sexual health services, with over 116,000 cases treated in England in a single year [1]. Although rates have fallen significantly among younger people following the introduction of HPV vaccination programmes, genital warts remain a common reason for seeking treatment, and genital wart diagnoses in young women in England fell by over 80% after vaccine changes were introduced [2].
Treatment focuses on removing visible warts through UK-approved topical prescription treatments such as Warticon (podophyllotoxin) and Aldara (imiquimod), or through clinical procedures such as cryotherapy. It is important to understand that while treatment can be highly effective at removing visible warts, the virus is not immediately cleared from the body. Many people choose discreet treatment options through online pharmacies or sexual health services.
In One Sentence:
Genital warts can usually be treated successfully with prescription medicines such as Warticon or Aldara, or with procedures such as cryotherapy, but treatment removes visible warts rather than immediately eliminating the human papillomavirus (HPV), so recurrence can occur.
Key Takeaways
What gets rid of genital warts fastest? Clinical procedures such as cryotherapy (freezing) or other specialist treatments often remove visible warts more quickly than prescription creams.
Can I buy treatment over the counter?
No, effective genital wart treatments such as Warticon and Aldara are prescription-only medicines that require a clinical assessment.
Will treatment cure HPV?
No, treatment removes visible warts, but HPV is not cured by treatment and is usually cleared naturally by the immune system over time.
Can I use a normal wart cream from the chemist?
No, hand and foot wart treatments are unsafe for genital skin and may cause salicylic acid burns.
Do they come back?
Yes, recurrence occurs in around a third of cases, so follow-up may sometimes be needed.
What causes genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by specific types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact.
Around 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 or 11, which are considered low-risk HPV types and are not linked to cervical or genital cancer [3]. These growths, medically known as condylomata acuminata, are spread primarily through sexual transmission and close skin-to-skin contact [4].
This differs from high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which are associated with certain cancers.[5] Treatment removes visible tissue rather than the virus itself, which is why recurrence can happen even after successful treatment. In many cases, the immune system clears HPV naturally within one to two years.
“The wart-causing types of HPV, namely HPV 6 and 11, are not associated with cancer. Treating visible warts can improve comfort and confidence while the immune system works to clear the virus naturally. For many people, understanding this helps reduce stress around the diagnosis.”
What are the best UK prescription treatments for genital warts you can use at home?
The most commonly prescribed at-home treatments for external genital warts in the UK are Warticon, Aldara and Catephen.
The BASHH national guideline on anogenital warts treatment recommends selecting therapy based on the size, number and location of warts [5]. The two most commonly used self-administered treatments are podophyllotoxin and imiquimod, and evidence suggests that imiquimod may have a lower recurrence rate than podophyllotoxin.
These topical medicines are applied directly to external genital warts and can often be used from home following a clinical assessment.
“Treatment choice depends on the appearance and location of the warts. There is no single best treatment for everyone. Warticon may suit small soft warts, while Aldara may be preferred for larger or tougher warts. Patience and consistency are important because treatments work over several weeks rather than overnight. Having the warts checked first ensures proper assessment and appropriate treatment selection.”
Warticon (podophyllotoxin)
Warticon works by stopping wart cells from dividing and gradually destroying affected tissue.
Warticon contains podophyllotoxin and is commonly used for small, soft external warts. It is available as cream and solution formulations and is applied in short treatment cycles with rest days between applications. Care should be taken to protect surrounding healthy skin during treatment.
Aldara (imiquimod)
Aldara helps the body's immune system respond to the HPV infection causing the wart.
Aldara contains imiquimod and is often used for larger or tougher warts. Rather than directly destroying wart tissue, it stimulates a local immune response that helps fight HPV infection. It is usually applied a few times each week and washed off the following morning. Research suggests imiquimod may have a lower recurrence rate than podophyllotoxin.
Catephen (sinecatechins)
Catephen is a plant-derived treatment made from green tea leaf extract.
Catephen contains sinecatechins and can be used for external genital and perianal warts. It offers an alternative option for some patients but requires consistent daily use over several weeks to achieve the best results.
Important: None of the medication references are safe in pregnancy
NHS guidance states that most creams and ointments for genital warts are not recommended during pregnancy.
Clinical guidance also advises that podophyllotoxin and imiquimod are not recommended in pregnancy, while physical treatments such as freezing (cryotherapy), surgery and trichloroacetic acid may be considered instead [6].
If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, you should inform your clinician before starting treatment. Sinecatechins are also generally avoided in pregnancy due to limited safety data.
Treatment | Best for | How it works | How you use it | Typical timeframe |
| Warticon (podophyllotoxin) | Small, soft, external warts | An antimitotic that stops wart cells from dividing | Applied twice a day for 3 days, then 4 days off, in repeated cycles | Often clears within about 4 to 5 weeks |
| Aldara (imiquimod) | Larger or tougher warts | An immune response modifier that prompts your body to fight the virus | Applied three times a week at bedtime, then washed off after 6 to 10 hours | Up to 16 weeks |
| Catephen (sinecatechins) | External genital and perianal warts | A green tea leaf extract with antioxidant and antiviral activity | Applied three times a day to the warts | Up to 16 weeks |
When do you need NHS clinical procedures?
NHS clinical procedures may be recommended when home treatments are unsuitable or ineffective.
Large, numerous or internal warts may require treatment through a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or NHS sexual health service. Physical treatments used in sexual health clinics include cryotherapy and other ablative methods delivered by trained staff.
A network meta-analysis found that surgical removal had the highest clearance and lowest recurrence in a network meta-analysis when compared with several other treatment approaches.
Pregnancy, uncertainty about diagnosis or poor response to creams may also prompt referral. Recurrence happens in around a third of cases regardless of treatment method.
NHS sexual health clinics are free and confidential, and most allow self-referral without seeing a GP first. They can confirm a diagnosis and identify harmless skin lumps or other conditions that are sometimes mistaken for warts.
Procedure | What it involves | Good to know |
| Cryotherapy | Freezing the warts off with liquid nitrogen | Often needs several sessions |
| Electrocautery | Burning off the wart tissue with an electrical current | Usually done under local anaesthetic |
| Surgical excision | Cutting the warts away | Done under local anaesthetic, and useful for larger or stubborn warts |
How can you treat genital warts safely at home?
Safe home treatment starts with getting an accurate diagnosis and using prescribed medicines correctly.
According to NHS advice on treating genital warts safely, treatment should be prescribed by a healthcare professional. You cannot use treatments meant for warts on the hands because genital skin is far more delicate, and products containing salicylic acid can cause painful chemical burns [7].
Avoid cutting, burning or picking at warts as this increases the risk of infection, scarring and spreading the virus. It is also advisable to avoid shaving or waxing during an outbreak because this may spread HPV across the skin. Keeping the area clean and dry, wearing loose cotton underwear and avoiding tight synthetic fabrics may help reduce irritation. Sex should be avoided while treatment is being used to reduce the risk of passing on the infection.
“When completing an online questionnaire for pharmacist assessment, it is important to answer honestly about your health and any medicines you take. This helps identify potential safety issues and ensures the most appropriate treatment is selected. Accurate information supports safer prescribing and better outcomes.”
Avoid The Below
Avoid self-treating genital warts with unsuitable products or methods.
Never use over-the-counter hand or foot wart treatments.
Over-the-counter hand or foot wart treatments often contain strong salicylic acid that can cause chemical burns on genital skin. The Terrence Higgins Trust advises against using these products for genital warts [7].
Never cut, burn or pick at the warts yourself.
Cutting, burning or picking at warts can increase the risk of infection and scarring while making the condition worse.
Avoid shaving or waxing the area during an outbreak.
Shaving or waxing can spread the virus across nearby skin and potentially lead to more warts developing.
Keep the area clean and dry
A clean, dry environment may help reduce irritation during treatment. Wash gently and avoid heavily perfumed products that may aggravate sensitive skin.
Wear loose cotton underwear
Loose cotton underwear can reduce friction and discomfort. Breathable fabrics help keep the area dry and comfortable during recovery.
Avoid sex while you are having treatment
Avoiding sex during treatment helps reduce transmission risk and irritation. This also allows treated skin time to heal properly.
How can you buy genital warts treatment online safely in the UK?
The safest way to buy genital wart treatment online is through a regulated UK pharmacy that uses a clinical assessment process.
Look for a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) regulated pharmacy, such as Mail My Meds, that provides a confidential online medical assessment reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber.
Prescription-only medicines such as Warticon and Aldara should only be supplied after a clinical assessment. Patients with internal warts, pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns may need referral to an in-person NHS sexual health clinic. Additional indicators of a trustworthy provider include MHRA compliance, Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration where appropriate and secure Royal Mail tracked delivery options.
Getting Treatment Discreetly With Mail My Meds
Mail My Meds offers a confidential route to accessing appropriate treatment for suitable patients.
Mail My Meds is a GPhC-regulated UK online pharmacy that can support adults with diagnosed genital warts and typical external warts through a confidential online medical assessment. A UK-registered prescriber reviews each submission to check suitability before treatment is supplied. Where appropriate, medicines will be delivered in discreet plain-packaging delivery. Patients with internal warts, uncertain symptoms, pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns may be directed to an NHS sexual health clinic for further assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy genital warts treatment over the counter in the UK?
No, there is no effective over-the-counter treatment approved for genital warts in the UK.
Warticon and Aldara require a prescription and assessment by a healthcare professional. Hand and foot wart treatments are unsafe on genital tissue.
How long does it take for genital warts to clear up with treatment?
Most treatments require several weeks to work effectively.
Podophyllotoxin (Warticon) commonly works over about 4 to 5 weeks using treatment cycles, while imiquimod (Aldara) may be used for up to 16 weeks. Results depend on the size and number of warts and the individual's immune response. Warts can return after treatment.
Do genital warts go away on their own?
Yes, genital warts can sometimes disappear without treatment.
The immune system often clears HPV naturally, and warts may clear over one to two years. Treatment can speed up the removal of visible warts but is not a cure for the virus.
Will treating the warts get rid of HPV?
No, treating visible warts does not immediately remove HPV from the body.
Treatment removes visible warts, but HPV may remain in the skin until the immune system clears the virus naturally over time.
Are genital wart treatments safe during pregnancy?
Most commonly used prescription treatments are not recommended during pregnancy.
Podophyllotoxin, imiquimod and sinecatechins are generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Patients should tell their clinician if they are pregnant, and referral to a sexual health specialist may be needed. Physical treatment such as cryotherapy may be considered instead.
Can the HPV vaccine help with genital warts?
The HPV vaccine helps prevent genital warts but does not treat existing warts.
The HPV vaccine prevents infection with HPV types, including HPV 6 and 11, which cause most genital warts. The HPV vaccine prevents genital warts but does not treat existing ones.
High uptake among young people has contributed to reduced cases, and diagnoses in young women fell sharply after the vaccine switch in England.
Examples include Gardasil and Gardasil 9, which protect against wart-causing and cancer-causing HPV types.
Do I need to tell my partner?
Informing a current partner is usually sensible and may help them make informed decisions.
HPV is extremely common and often harmless. Discussing the diagnosis with a current partner allows them to consider getting checked, seeking sexual health clinic advice or discussing HPV vaccination where appropriate.
Final Thoughts From Our Superintendent Pharmacist
“Genital warts are common, not usually dangerous and highly treatable. Prescription-only treatments such as Warticon and Aldara can be very effective when used correctly, but you should never use wart or verruca treatments designed for hands and feet because they can cause serious salicylic acid burns. A proper diagnosis is important because several conditions can look similar to genital warts. Treatment removes the visible warts rather than the virus itself, and the immune system often clears HPV over time. Because recurrence affects about a third of people, ongoing awareness is important. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should seek professional advice to ensure the safest treatment approach.”
Sources
[6] Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous warts (2022) - PMC
About the author
Blog author
Dayna Sheppard
Dayna is a pharmacy manager with over 15 years of pharmacy experience. She is focused on delivering a safe and excellent pharmacy service for patients.
Medically reviewed by
Medical reviewer
Taslima Hussain
Taslima is a pharmacist who is passionate about patient care. She has experience working in community pharmacy as a locum.
