Self-application of podophyllin resin for penile condylomata acuminata

Two methods of podophyllin application, namely hospital-application (regimen A) and self-application (regimen B) of 25% podophyllin in tincture of benzoin compound for the treatment of penile condylomata were compared. The objective was to compare the response and safety of self-application with traditional hospital-application. A total of 100 men were selected, of which 64 were valid for evaluation of response. At six weeks' follow-up 66% and 72% of patients treated with regimen A and B, respectively were cured. Patients treated with regimen A were less compliant making only 58% of the required number of applications as compared with those treated with regimen B who made 92% of the applications. Of the patients successfully treated, 43% and 20% of those treated with regimens A and B, respectively were cured after only one or two applications (p greater than 0.1). Three patients--two treated with regimen A and one treated with regimen B suffered local reactions to the first application of podophyllin. All these patients recovered without sequelae. Self-application of podophyllin can therefore be used safely and effectively in selected men with penile condyloma acuminata.