Abstract :
Introduction: Commonly used destructive treatment modalities for treatment of warts though effective,
are associated with pain, pigmentary changes, scarring and recurrences. Utilization of various vaccines and
skin test antigens has broaden the horizon of available immunotherapeutic armamentarium for the treatment
of warts.
Aim: Evaluation of efficacy and safety of intradermal PPD for treating facial warts - a prospective study..
Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients with facial warts were treated with intradermal injections
of PPD 10 TU/0.1 ml at two weekly intervals. They were followed up at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks for
assessment of response, adverse effects and recurrence of facial warts.
Results: Out of 54 (M: F 25:29) patients, only 49 patients with facial warts completed the study. Overall,
complete clearance in 22(45%) patients and partial clearance in 18(37%) patients were observed. The
patients with complete/partial clearance were highly satisfied from the treatment. Recurrence was not seen
in our patients. Few patients had injection site pain for 2-3 days not warranting discontinuation of treatment.
Other adverse effects included temporary erythema and swelling in 3 patients which subsided on its own in
2-3 days.
Conclusion: 82% patients responded (complete and partial response) to therapy. Intradermal PPD appears
effective, safe, and acceptable treatment modality for facial warts. It carries the advantage of patient
compliance, insignificant adverse effects and high patient satisfaction.
Keyword :
Warts, Purified protein derivative, Intradermal, Immunotherapy.