Medication Summary
Destruction of the lesion is the treatment of choice for bowenoid papulosis. Most medications act to some degree as both destructive and immunomodulating agents.
Keratolytic agents
Class Summary
Inhibit cell proliferation by blocking the progression of the cell cycle at specific stages.
Podophyllum resin (Pod-Ben, Podocon-25, Podofin)
Topical treatment for benign growths including external genital and perianal warts, papillomas, and fibroids.
Arrests mitosis in metaphase; active agent is podophyllotoxin; type of podophyllum resin used determines strength. American podophyllum contains one fourth of the amount reported by an Indian source.
Trichloroacetic acid (Tri-Chlor)
Cauterizes skin, keratin, and other tissues. Although caustic, causes less local irritation and systemic toxicity than others in the same class; however, response often is incomplete and recurrence occurs frequently.
Imiquimod (Aldara)
Induces secretion of interferon alpha and other cytokines; mechanisms of action are unknown.
5-Fluorouracil cream (Efudex, Adrucil, Fluoroplex)
For treatment-resistant bowenoid papulosis. Interferes with DNA synthesis by blocking the methylation of deoxyuridylic acid, and inhibits thymidylate synthetase, which subsequently reduces cell proliferation.
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