Intralesional acyclovir in the treatment of cutaneous warts: A novel therapeutic approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v33i2.2151Abstract
Background Warts are the cutaneous manifestations of human papilloma virus infection. Although warts resolve spontaneously, many patients seek treatment as they can be painful and may have psychosocial impact in case of multiple cutaneous warts. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication with established efficacy against DNA viruses, could become a possible revolutionary therapeutic option for warts.
Objective The purpose of this therapeutic approach is to determine the effectiveness of intralesional injection of acyclovir in the management of cutaneous warts.
Methods A total of 18 patients with warts attending DVL outpatient department were selected for the study. Depending on the size of the lesion, the patients received 0.1ml-0.3ml of intralesional acyclovir diluted with distilled water (70mg/ml) in each lesion. The procedure was repeated every two weeks till complete clearance or upto a total of four sessions. Adverse effects were documented, and the study participants were monitored on a monthly basis for three months following the final injection to look for any relapse.
Results All 18 patients completed the study by 8weeks duration. Complete clearance was observed in 9 patients (50%), with an excellent response in 5 patients (27.7%), good response in two patients (11.11%), and no response in 2 patients (11.11%).
Conclusion Intralesional acyclovir can be an efficient therapeutic tool for solitary cutaneous warts, but it provides no added benefit for distant warts. It can be beneficial modality in patients seeking for quick response.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Bhargavi Mayakuntla, Susmitha Meda, S.S. Ravi, B Indira, V Anitha, V.V.V. Satyanarayana
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