Evaluation of intralesional injection of bleomycin in the treatment of plantar warts: clinical and dermoscopic evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of plantar warts is difficult and requires multiple treatments, and they are more refractory to treatment than common warts. Intralesional bleomycin has been used in the treatment of warts with varying degrees of success.

AIM

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional injection of bleomycin in the treatment of plantar warts based on clinical and dermoscopic observations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Bleomycin (1 mg/ml) was injected intralesionally into the pared plantar wart every 2 weeks for a maximum of four sessions. Patients were followed both clinically and by the use of dermoscope.

RESULTS

The cure rate of plantar warts treated with bleomycin was 69.3% with minimal and tolerable side effects.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional injection of bleomycin is an effective and safe treatment of plantar warts. Dermoscope is recommended in the evaluation of treatment success, as it can accurately tell if the wart needs further treatment, preventing premature stoppage of the treatment, thus decreasing the possibility of recurrences.