How effective is oxolin ointment treatment for papilloma?

The human papillomavirus is a dangerous infection that manifests itself in lesions of the mucous membranes and skin. The use of oxolinic ointment will help eliminate skin defects, but the remedy has contraindications and limitations. They must be taken into account when using.

Description, instructions for the drug

Oxolinic ointment is a local antiviral agent that was created back in 1970 in the USSR. In those years, it was a breakthrough in medicine and competed with the American drug Remantadine. For 40 years, the ointment has been used in Russia in the post-Soviet space due to its pronounced antiviral activity.

Abroad, the drug is not used and is not certified due to insufficient evidence base. The ointment is indicated not only for the prevention of certain ARVI viruses, but also for the treatment of many viral pathologies of the skin and mucous membranes.

Oxolinic ointment against papilloma is prescribed by specialists very often because oxolin is the safest and most inexpensive remedy with a minimum of contraindications and side effects. The remedy, of course, will not cure the HPV papilloma virus, but it will prevent it from spreading over the skin.

Composition and dosage form

The composition includes:

• oxolin – 2.5 mg or 3 mg per 1 g of the drug;
• vaseline oil – 0.5 g;
• petroleum jelly and mineral base – up to 10 g.

Vaseline softens the effect of oxolin. The consistency of the ointment is thick, the color is gray, there is no smell.

Sometimes a slight chemical smell is still felt when lubricating the nasal mucosa. The active substance is the chemical compound oxolin (full name is dioxotetrahydroxytetrahydronaphthalene or naphthalene-1, -2, -3, -4 tetron.).

Packaging and manufacturer

Manufacturer:

• “DKP Pharmaceutical factory”, Zhytomyr.
• Ukraine Darnitsa CJSC (Ukraine).
• Nizhpharm, Novgorod (Russia).

It is produced in the form of 0.25% ointment (this is usually a 10 g tube), as well as 3% ointment (30 g tube).

Oxolinic ointment is packaged in aluminum tubes for any concentration of the drug. The sealed neck should be pierced before using the product.

Pharmacological properties

The main ingredient oxolin has antiviral activity against herpes simplex and herpes zoster virus, influenza virus (mainly type A2), adenoviruses, molluscum contagiosum virus and warts. Application only external.

The ointment is non-toxic, has no systemic effect. The drug does not accumulate. When applied to mucous membranes, only 20% is absorbed, and only 5% to the skin.

Therefore, no cases of overdose have been reported. It does not cause skin irritation if the instructions are followed. Excreted from the body by the kidneys during the day.

For what types of growths is it recommended to use the medicine?

Oxolinic ointment will be useful in the treatment of:

• common warts;
• flat growths;
• red papillomas;
• senile warts;
• spines;
• shingles and scaly lichen;
• warts (in complex therapy);
• dermatitis Dühring (herpetiform type);
• psoriasis (subject to complex therapy);
• herpes simplex;
• molluscum contagiosum;
• conjunctivitis;
• blepharitis;
• stomatitis;
• pointed papillomas.

Most often, the drug is used for papillomas that do not exceed 5–10 mm. With large neoplasms, the remedy may not be able to cope. Before starting treatment, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is necessary.

The mechanism of action of the remedy

The action of the ointment is based on blocking viral DNA – Oxolin paralyzes the communication nodes of the virus with the cell membrane, which stops the growth of papilloma. It protects the membranes of healthy cells.

The spread of the virus is slowed down, new mutating cells do not appear.

The ointment also slows down the inflammation caused by the virus. Vaseline improves the absorption of oxolin and helps the rapid renewal of the affected area.

General recommendations for the treatment of papillomatous viral infections

The main active ingredient of the drug is oxolin in different concentrations. Although the dosage varies from 0.25% to 3%, it is recommended to take the maximum concentration for the treatment of papilloma.

Treatment with oxolinic ointment is carried out according to the instructions. The success of therapy can be judged by the neoplasms themselves. If after 2 weeks they become dry, they will soon fall off.

Sometimes the treated areas may turn bluish, but after 2-3 days this is washed off with water. Application may cause psychological discomfort.

The guarantee of the success of treatment is the regularity of application. The duration of use also depends on the immunity of the patient. After the papilloma disappears, its area is smeared for a few more days to prevent relapse.

Most often, papillomas fall off after a week without a trace. At this point, a red spot may be visible for some time. There are no scars or scars.

If there is no effect after a week, you should consult a doctor. Most likely, surgical removal will be prescribed.

What needs to be done before application?

Before applying the ointment, gently rinse the affected area with clean water, dry with a tissue and wipe with a cotton swab with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This removes the top layer of dead cells.

1. Apply the substance to the papilloma with light circular movements to form a thin film on it. No effort is needed. If desired, a sterile gauze bandage can be applied on top.
2. Repeat the procedure 3 times a day, preferably at the same time.
3. In the first minutes, you can feel a slight and short-term burning sensation.

If the vesicles (herpes) have already opened, then before treating the diseased area, it is washed with an antiseptic. Without this, applying the ointment will be useless. After the initial treatment, no more than 10 minutes should pass.

Treatment of herpes zoster with oxolin is carried out only if it is impossible to use a more effective medicine. Apply it every 4 hours with a break for the night. Continue treatment until complete recovery.

The treatment of plantar warts is especially that to start applying the legs you need to steam out for better absorption of the ointment. It is best to do baths with essential oils.

Scheme and duration of use of the drug

Depending on the localization, the scheme and duration change:

• For the treatment of papilloma on the eyelids,  the ointment is applied with a plastic or glass spatula no more than 3 times a day. The course is until full recovery.
• From papilloma on the body, the ointment is distributed over the affected skin in small amounts also 3 times a day.
• To eliminate lichen, a 3% composition is used. Liniment is applied in the evening from 2 to 4 g of the product.

The listed methods and dosages are summarized. Active treatment lasts 2 months.

Treatment of growths in intimate places

Ointment 0.25% is used to remove papilloma on the genitals. The area of ​​application of the composition requires control and prevention of diaper rash. Oxolinic ointment against genital warts is used after the diagnosis of the infection and the permission of the doctor.

With papillomas on the genitals, you need:

• apply the ointment with light movements;
• if possible, cover the treated area with a bandage and fix with a plaster;
• if the skin is affected by several warts, the bandage will be occlusive, like a compress;
• Apply only in the morning and evening.

The course is not more than 2 weeks.

Three percent

To eliminate neoplasms on the hands  and feet (palmar, plantar warts), where the skin is rough, use 3% liniment. An agent with such a concentration cannot be used for mucosal lesions.

The use of the drug with a concentration of 0.25%

To get rid of ugly and painful processes on the face ( lips, neck, head ), a 0.25% composition is better suited. In fact, it is a local pharmaceutical liniment with an antiviral effect. When applying 0.25% ointment to the mucous membranes, no irritation of epithelial cells occurs.

Oxalin compresses

Compresses will require 1 tsp. vaseline oil, pea ointment and 2-3 drops of 9% vinegar. Everything is mixed, wrapped in 2 layers of gauze and applied to the papilloma. Top with cotton wool, polyethylene and fixation with a medical adhesive tape.

Hold the compress for 40 minutes. Then the bandage is removed, everything is rinsed with Chlorhexidine.

The compress is applied in the morning and in the evening for 15 days. In advanced cases, the course is extended for another week. If there is no effect, the treatment is canceled.

Lotions

In the absence of time for compresses, lotions or rubbing of the infected area can be used. For this, 1 tsp. oxolinic ointment is diluted with half a glass of warm boiled water.

There also add 2 crystals of potassium permanganate and 5 drops of essential oil (orange, for example). Everything is mixed and put in the refrigerator for a day. After 24 hours, the mixture is shaken and warmed to room temperature.

In the solution, moisten a cotton pad and wipe the papilloma. The frequency of treatments and the course of treatment are similar to the previous methods. Also, this solution is suitable for rinsing or treating the skin before a compress.

The nuances of the treatment of growths in children and pregnant women

The ointment is allowed to be used during pregnancy, since the substances in the composition do not penetrate the bloodstream and do not pose a threat to the health of the mother and fetus. With lactation, the use of the drug is possible only after consulting a doctor.

Children under 2 years old ointment is prohibited. This is due to the special thinness of the skin at this age.

For a child, it is better not to use oxolinka without a doctor’s instructions, generally up to 9 years. No one has tracked the mechanism of action of the drug on the child’s body.

Who is contraindicated to use the drug

The remedy is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to active substances – hypersensitivity to them. Also, the ointment is not used for open wounds. Caution is required in the presence of bronchial asthma or sensitization of the body.

Other contraindications:

• oncology;
• localization of growth on the cervix.

Precautions and side effects

In order for the treatment to bring maximum benefit, oxolinic ointment is applied in compliance with some recommendations:

1. Before using the drug, the skin around the papilloma is protected by applying hand cream.
2. Warts, roughened affected skin on the elbows and feet should be steamed.
3. Only non-injured warts can be lubricated with medicine.
4. Oxolin is applied directly to the papilloma itself with a thin layer. An overlay of gauze will protect clothing from contamination.
5. At the site of application, a burning sensation is sometimes felt. It quickly disappears.
6. Avoid alcohol during treatment.

Side effects in most cases are absent, but can manifest themselves in the form of overdrying of the mucous membranes with frequent application.

Cross drug interaction

The best effect can be achieved with an integrated approach, that is, a combination of oxolinic ointment with other antiviral drugs. Only in this case it is possible to reduce the activity of the virus. The drug is best combined with immunomodulators.

When using several external agents at the same time, medical supervision is required. No negative effects from other drugs have been identified, however, the ointment should be combined with caution with corticosteroids.

Storage Features

The recommended storage conditions for the ointment is a temperature of 10 ° C, it is better to keep it in the refrigerator. Toward the end of the drug’s shelf life, its color may change to pinkish.

This is recognized as the norm and the use of ointment is possible. The packaging must not be exposed to the sun or frozen.

Shelf life – 2 years from the date of issue.

The cost of the drug and the conditions of release

The average price for the drug is about 50 rubles, but may vary depending on the region. Prices for oxolin 3% concentration vary from 90 to 100 rubles, 0.25% ointment costs 60 rubles. The ointment is sold at any pharmacy and is dispensed without a prescription, so there are no problems in this regard.

Reviews

Irina, 35 years old, Samara. “  For a long time I could not find anything suitable for papilloma on my neck , although I tried a lot. On the advice of a friend, I tried oxolin and after a week the papillomas fell off. I recommend!”

Oksana, 24 years old, Novosibirsk. “I read on the forum that oxolinic ointment helps with growths. There were 2 papillomas under the armpit. I smeared it with oxolin for a week, nothing has changed. Then she began to smear with iodine every 4 hours. On day 5, the skin became clear.

Marina, 32 years old, Tver. “Oksolinka 3% saved me from a wart on my palm. Only treated with ointment 4 times a day and that’s it. She did not take any other pills. The effect was 100% in a week.”

Evgeny, 28 years old, Moscow. “I smeared oxolin ointment against papilloma in the groin . The result was great! Smeared for 2 weeks. And yet, after 2 weeks, the outgrowths completely disappeared. It’s been a month now and nothing has returned. Satisfied – cheap and cheerful.

Veronika, 30 years old, Khimki. “I don’t believe that papillomas from oxolinic ointment disappear in 1-2 weeks. I smeared mine, I did not see any benefit. Verrukacid helped me. Everything fell away in four days.

Katyusha, 19 years old, Novosibirsk. “I smeared a wart on my leg with oxolinic ointment . It stinged a little, but it disappeared completely after 12 days. You just need to steam your leg first. What is the minus – it is difficult to find a 3% ointment.

Reviews of doctors speak of the good performance of oxolinic ointment in the treatment of papilloma. They also note the complete disappearance of elements after 2 weeks. The disadvantages include the duration of treatment compared with radical methods.