Tri-Chlor

According to the CDC, trichloroacetic acid is commonly used to treat genital warts and anal warts. Some providers might combine trichloroacetic acid with other medications to help with certain scars, acne, or aging skin. Note that the strength and formulation of trichloroacetic acid are different for these other uses. Talk with your provider about the best option for you.

Trichloroacetic acid is typically applied to the skin by a healthcare provider. After application, you'll need to wait until the gel dries and appears as a white frost before you can move around. Since treatment only gets rid of the warts and not the virus, you might get genital warts again after treatment, especially in the first few months. As a result, weekly treatment with trichloroacetic acid might be necessary.

Trichloroacetic acid can sometimes cause skin problems after treatment. The risk is higher if too much of the medication is applied onto your skin. Tell your provider right away if you have signs of severe burning, inflammed skin, skin pain, or tenderness after your appointment.

Trichloroacetic acid and imiquimod (Aldara) are both topical treatments for genital warts. One main difference between the two medications is how you receive the medication. Trichloroacetic acid is only available at a hospital or clinic, and it's given by a healthcare provider. On the other hand, you can pick up imiquimod (Aldara) at a local pharmacy with a prescription, and use it at home on your own. Another difference is how frequently you receive treatment. Treatment with trichloroacetic acid can be repeated once a week as needed at your provider's office, while imiquimod (Aldara) is applied 1 to 3 times a week for 2 to 4 months. Talk with your provider to determine which treatment is best for you.

No. Trichloroacetic acid can only treat genital warts, not prevent them. To lower your risk of genital warts, consider using condoms every time you have sex. You can also receive Gardasil 9 (HPV vaccine) that's available for both males and females to prevent genital warts.

If you're being treated for genital warts, it's important to let your sexual partner(s) know since the virus that causes the warts (human papillomavirus infection or HPV) can also infect your partner(s). Your provider might also check your partner(s) for genital warts and other STIs.