Genital warts appear as small flesh colored bumps and closely resemble cauliflowers. In the primary stage, they may appear as small lesions measuring about 2 mms in diameter. Later, they may develop into bigger sizes.

In women, they manifest both outside and inside the vagina, uterus, cervix and even perianally (in and around the anus), while in men, genital warts may be found in the anal area, penis shaft as well as the scrotum. In case of oral sex with an infected partner, genital warts can also develop in the throat and mouth.

Genital warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Of the 100 odd known HPV strains, only 30 (aptly termed genital HPV) have the ability to infect the genital area - they have the potential to infect almost 50 percent of sexually active men and women. Close contact with contaminated medical equipment can also cause genital warts.

Even though a person may be infected, there are hardly any symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose this disease. The absence of symptoms also keeps infected persons ignorant about the disease, elevating the risk of transmission. This can be prevented only through regular check ups.

The treatment of genital warts involves either surgery (viz., laser therapy, freezing or burning off) or the application of topical creams (i.e., those applied to a definite or localized area of the body) like aldara cream.

While surgery can be an expensive choice, topical medications like aldara cream are economical and patient-friendly - it can be applied by the infected person right at home, has negligible side effects and helps the body combat the virus instead of merely removing the warts.

Once prescribed by a doctor, Aldara Cream should be applied directly on the wart thrice a week, or according to the doctor’s instructions. Ideally, Aldara Cream should be applied prior to the bedtime and left on the affected area through the night.

But you should bear in mind that this medication does not work for all types of genital warts - it is targeted to treat external warts affecting the genitals and perianal areas.

Further, its use may cause side effects like swelling, redness, blisters, thickened skin, itching, scabbing and alterations in skin color. In most instances, these reduce with time, but it is advisable to consult your doctor if they persist after three days of using generic aldara cream Also, you should abstain from sexual intercourse while the cream is present on the infected area so as to avoid irritation.