Comparative study between cryotherapy and salicylic acid in the treatment of plantar warts in Erbil - Iraq

Abstract

Background and objective: Plantar warts are hard, grainy growths that usually appear on the heels or balls of feet. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, usually self-limiting, but treatment is generally recommended to lessen symptoms, decrease duration, and reduce transmission. The study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of topical 40% salicylic acid in comparison to cryotherapy in the treatment of plantar wart. Methods: This study was conducted from March 2015 to January 2016 on 70 patients with plantar wart who attended the consultation clinic of dermatology department in Rizgary teaching hospital. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: cryotherapy treatment with liquid nitrogen every two or three weeks and self-application of salicylic acid daily. Results: Sixty patients aged 12 to 60 years were included in the analysis at 13 weeks. Cure rates were 66.7% in the cryotherapy group and 80% in the salicylic acid group. A significant association was found between the duration of wart before treatment and cure rates (P <0.001). Conclusion: No difference in effectiveness between cryotherapy and topical salicylic acid 40% in the treatment of plantar warts was found. Keywords: Cryotherapy; Salicylic acid; Plantar wart; Erbil.

Keywords

• Cryotherapy
• Salicylic acid
• Plantar wart
• Erbil