Intralesional Vitamin D Injection in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Warts: A Novel Proposition.

BACKGROUND

Verruca vulgaris (viral warts) is a fairly common condition with a plethora of treatment options having variable success rates. Recalcitrant warts are refractory to treatment with often disappointing response and high recurrence rates. Lately, treatment with intralesional injections has gained momentum due to its effectiveness in clearing warts by stimulating the cell-mediated immunity. Vitamin D, when applied topically, regulates epidermal cell proliferation and is involved in the formation of antimicrobial peptides. We have attempted to use vitamin D to exploit its reported action as an immunotherapeutic molecule in addition to its topical effects. To our knowledge, there are no reports of intralesional vitamin D injections used in the treatment of extragenital recalcitrant warts.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients with recalcitrant warts of varying sizes and duration were included in the study. About 0.2- to 0.5-mL vitamin D solution (600,000 IU, 15 mg/mL) was injected to the base of the wart. A maximum of 5 warts were injected per session at 3-week intervals until resolution or for a maximum of 4 treatments. Patients were followed up for 6 months after the last injection to detect any recurrence.

RESULTS

Sixty patients completed the study. Complete response was seen in 54 of 60 (90%), partial response in 4 of 60 (6.66%), and no response in 2 of 60 (3.33%). The average number of injections required to achieve a complete resolution was 3.66. Complete resolution of distant warts was noticed in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intralesional vitamin D is a safe, effective, and an inexpensive treatment option for recalcitrant warts.