Verrucae vulgares: flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser treatment in 134 patients.

BACKGROUND

Various approaches have been taken in the management of verrucae vulgares, but there is still no first-choice treatment. Thus, a study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL) in the treatment of verrucae vulgares.

METHODS

Within 18 months, 134 patients with recalcitrant or untreated verrucae vulgares on their hands or feet, or in other sites, were exposed to a 585-nm FPDL every 3.26 weeks. The following parameters were used: energy density, 8 J/cm2; spot size, 7 mm; pulse duration, 450 micro s. Concomitant topical treatment was not recommended.

RESULTS

Eight patients were lost to follow-up. The data of 126 patients were evaluated. Up to eight laser treatments led to total remission in 62.69% of patients and partial remission in 21.42%; 9.52% did not respond to this type of management; 6.34% of patients classified the method as too painful and withdrew after the first one or two treatments. In a median follow-up period of 5.38 months (2-16 months), one relapse occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

FPDL is safe and effective for the removal or reduction of verrucae vulgares, and requires less patient compliance compared with other treatment options.