Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Intralesional Acyclovir for Treating Periungual and Palmoplantar Warts
- Author:
Kyung Hyun MIN
1
;
Eun Hee YOO
;
Ha Yeh Rin KOO
;
So Yeon YUN
;
Jin Young CHOI
;
Dong Soo YU
;
Young Bok LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, Uijeongbu, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2024;62(3):129-135
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:EN
-
Abstract:
Background:Warts are benign hyperkeratotic proliferative skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).Traditional destructive treatments, such as cryotherapy, have limited effectiveness and can lead to substantial adverse effects. Acyclovir, an antiviral agent against human herpes viruses, may be effective in the treatment of warts, as HPV is also a DNA virus.
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional acyclovir for the treatment of warts.
Methods:We conducted a retrospective study of 21 patients diagnosed with periungual or palmoplantar warts who were treated with intralesional acyclovir (25 mg/mL) injections between January 2022 and December 2022. The treatment was repeated at 3- to 4-week intervals, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated one month after the final treatment session.
Results:Complete resolution of warts was observed in nine patients (42.9%), partial response in seven patients (33.3%), and no response in five patients (23.8%). Injection-related transient pain and hemorrhage were reported by all patients, with a hemorrhagic crust observed in one patient (4.76%) and transient onycholysis noted in another patient (4.76%). No permanent nail deformities have been reported.
Conclusion:Intralesional acyclovir is a potentially effective and safe treatment modality for periungual and palmoplantar warts.
