Podiatry : Plantar Warts/Warts

Anti-Fungal Therapy |Arthritis/Inflammation | Athlete’s Foot | Diabetic Neuropathy |Molluscum Contagiosum | Nail Infection/Removal | Plantar Warts/Warts | Wound Care | Iontophoresis & Phonophoresis | Examples of Compounded Medications


The primary objective of a current multicenter, randomized controlled trial conducted by the Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK is to compare the clinical effectiveness of two common treatments for verrucae: cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen versus salicylic acid. The primary outcome is complete clearance of all verrucae as observed on digital photographs taken at 12 weeks.

The EVERT (effective verruca treatments) trial protocol: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of verrucae
E Sarah Cockayne and The EVERT Trial Team

http://trialsjournal.com/content/11/1/12
Accessed May 9, 2011
Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 5% with tape occlusion produced complete eradication of all plantar warts within 12 weeks of treatment in 19 of 20 patients. It was concluded that use of topical 5% 5-fluorouracil cream for plantar warts is safe, efficacious, and accepted by the patient.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 May;5(5):418-24.
Topical 5% 5-fluorouracil cream in the treatment of plantar warts: a prospective, randomized, and controlled clinical study.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.

A medical record review was conducted by the Podiatry Division, Department of Orthopedics, Cabrini Medical Center, New York, NY to determine the clinical outcome and average time to resolution of verruca plantaris (plantar warts) in 20 patients treated with twice-daily applications of topical fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with topical 17% and 40% salicylic acid. Twice-daily application of topical fluorouracil and salicylic acid is a safe and effective treatment for verruca plantaris.

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2005 Jul-Aug;95(4):366-9.
Treatment of verruca plantaris with a combination of topical fluorouracil and salicylic acid.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.

Phys Ther. 2002 Dec;82(12):1184-91
Treatment of plantar verrucae using 2% sodium salicylate iontophoresis.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.

Cantharidin in a collodion vehicle has been used by dermatologists as a treatment for molluscum contagiosum and warts since the 1950s. Cantharidin lost FDA approval in 1962 because its manufacturers failed to submit data attesting to cantharidin’s efficacy. However, in 1999, the FDA included cantharidin on its “Bulk Substances List” of drugs which although not available as commercial products, were approved for compounding on a customized basis for individual patients.

Because of cantharidin’s potential for toxicity, the FDA has proposed that cantharidin should be limited to “topical use in the professional office setting only.” Severe blistering can result from improper use, and ingestion, especially by children, can be fatal. Treatment of mucous membranes is contraindicated and placement of cantharidin near the eyes and eyelids should be avoided to prevent scleral erosion.

Caution: The treatment of plantar warts with cantharidin is NOT recommended and may have a higher rate of significant complications including lymphangitis and refractory lymphedema.

Arch Dermatol. 2001;137:1357-1360
Cantharidin revisited: a blistering defense of an ancient medicine.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000;43:503-507
Childhood molluscum contagiosum: experience with cantharidin therapy in 300 patients.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract

Squaric Acid Dibutylester (SADBE) for Cutaneous Warts in Children

Warts are a common pediatric skin infection and clearance may be enhanced by contact sensitizers, such as squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE). Contact immunotherapy with SADBE is relatively safe and an effective alternative in the management of multiple and resistant cutaneous warts in children.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 May;42(5 Pt 1):803-8
Squaric acid immunotherapy for warts in children.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract

Pediatr Dermatol. 2000 Jul-Aug;17(4):315-8
Use of squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) for cutaneous warts in children.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Oct;41(4):595-9
Contact immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester for the treatment of recalcitrant warts.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract

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