- Human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Commonest : Verrucae vulgaris - Hands, Verrucae plantares - feet.
- 60% resolve spontaneously in 2 years.
Treatment
- Destruction (cryotherapy, photodynamic treatment, pulsed dye laser).
- Keratolysis (salicylic acid) is effective.
- Immunostimulation (dinitrochlorobenzene, interferons).
- Antimitotic effects (bleomycin, fluorouracil).
- Combination cryotherapy with another (salicylate) probably most effective.
Advice
- May leave to resolve.
- Try home cryotherapy (available in most pharmacies) or topical salicylate.
- GP if symptoms persist.
References
1. Cockayne S, Hewitt C, Hicks K, Jayakody S, Kang’ombe AR, Stamuli E, et al. Cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of plantar warts (verrucae): a randomised controlled trial. BMJ2011;342:d3271.
2. Kwok CS, Holland R, Gibbs S. Efficacy of topical treatments for cutaneous warts: a meta-analysis and pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials. Br J Dermatol2011; online 11 January.
3. Boull C, Groth D. Update: treatment of cutaneous viral warts in children. Pediatr Dermatol2011; online 26 April.