Pulsed Dye Laser in the treatment of viral warts

Effectiveness of Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Warts in Children.

Sethuraman G, Richards KA, Hiremagalore RN, Wagner A

Dermatol Surg 2009 Nov 13

This study lends evidence to the possibility of that PDL is a treatment option for recalcitrant warts in children. It achievs high cure rates as three quarters of patients remain wart free two years after the treatment.This treatment modality, however, is not first line given the need for anesthesia. It thus does not replace cryotherapy or topical cantharidin.

The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

GOAL OF THE STUDY: To determine the efficacy and safety of the 585-nm PDL in the treatment of recalcitrant warts in children.

METHODOLOGY: Retrospective survey of the medical records of children with recalcitrant warts who were treated with PDL between March 1995 through January 1999 at the Children’s Memorial Hospital outpatient subspecialty center, Chicago, Illinois.

RESULTS: Sixty-one children with recalcitrant warts were treated with PDL; 75% of them had total clearance of warts after an average of 3.1 treatment sessions. Overall success rates were 100% for both perineal and perianal and face-only warts, 93% for hands, 69% for plantar warts, 67% when both face and extremities were involved, and 60% when multiple extremities were involved. Pain and other side effects were minimal. Mild scarring occurred in 2% of patients; 75% of patients remained free of warts after a follow-up period of 24 months or longer.