Efficacy of intralesional Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) in the treatment of multiple warts

Abstract

Cutaneous warts are a common dermatological condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) strains 1,2,4 and rarely 57. Although it is a benign condition, it causes disfigurement, pain, discomfort, has a tendency to koebnerize, and can be transmitted to others. This makes adequate and timely treatment important. There are several conventional treatments available which include electrosurgery, cryotherapy and topical medications like imiquimod which show variable responses. Our study evaluated the effectiveness and associated side effects of intralesional PPD for the treatment of multiple warts in a group of 20 patients. This is done as a form of immunotherapy. It was administered at a dosage of 0.1ml into each lesional site every two weeks until the clearance of lesions or up to a maximum of 6 injections. We observed a marked response in 5%, moderate response in 75% and no response in 20 % of our study population with no complications. On comparison to previous similar studies, the accuracy of our observed results for efficacy and observed side effects was reinforced. Hence proves to be a modality of treatment that should be more widely used for the treatment of warts as it is cheap, safe, less stressful and comparatively more effective.