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
These agents inhibit cell proliferation by blocking the progression of the cell cycle at specific stages.
Podophyllum resin (Pod-Ben, Podocon-25, Podofin)
Podophyllum resin is topical treatment for benign growths including external genital and perianal warts, papillomas, and fibroids. It arrests mitosis in the metaphase; the active agent is podophyllotoxin; the type of podophyllum resin used determines the strength. American podophyllum contains one fourth of the amount reported by an Indian source.
Trichloroacetic acid (Tri-Chlor)
Trichloroacetic acid cauterizes skin, keratin, and other tissues. Although caustic, it causes less local irritation and systemic toxicity than others in the same class; however, the response often is incomplete and recurrence occurs frequently.
Imiquimod (Aldara)
Imiquimod induces secretion of interferon alpha and other cytokines; the mechanisms of action are unknown.
5-Fluorouracil cream (Efudex, Adrucil, Fluoroplex)
5-Fluorouracil cream is for treatment-resistant bowenoid papulosis. It interferes with DNA synthesis by blocking the methylation of deoxyuridylic acid, and it inhibits thymidylate synthetase, which subsequently reduces cell proliferation.
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Bowenoid papulosa histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin, magnification 40X).
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Bowenoid papulosa histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin, magnification 400X).
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Typical appearance of bowenoid papulosis in the female.
