Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Warts are a common chronic skin disorder that can be cosmetically disfiguring and, depending on the location, cause inhibition of function. The presence of dozens of topical and systemic treatments for warts is a testament to the lack of a rapid, simple, uniformly effective, inexpensive, nonscarring, and painless treatment. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of 85% formic acid application, an inexpensive therapy, for the treatment of warts. METHODS: A placebo-controlled, nonrandomized, open trial was performed in 100 patients with common warts attending Father Muller's Medical College Hospital, Mangalore. Fifty patients received 85% formic acid application and 50 patients received placebo (water) using a topical application/needle puncture technique every other day. RESULTS: Ninety-two per cent of patients who received formic acid application showed complete disappearance of warts after a 3-4-week treatment period, compared to 6% in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that 85% formic acid application is a safe, economical, and effective alternative in the treatment of common warts with few side-effects and good compliance. A multicenter trial is needed to examine the efficacy and safety of this treatment.
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Authors | R M Bhat, K Vidya, G Kamath |
Journal | International journal of dermatology
(Int J Dermatol)
Vol. 40
Issue 6
Pg. 415-9
(Jun 2001)
ISSN: 0011-9059 [Print] England |
PMID | 11589750
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Administration, Topical
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Child
- Dermatology
(methods)
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Formates
(administration & dosage)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Punctures
- Reference Values
- Treatment Outcome
- Warts
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
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