Cimetidine therapy for plantar warts.

Although more than 50% of warts resolve spontaneously within 2 years, many, if untreated, have the propensity to spread and cause considerable discomfort. There are several treatments to date; however, most cause some type of tissue damage. Because spontaneous resolution of warts can occur, the role of cimetidine in the treatment of warts remains controversial. Anecdotal reports suggest cimetidine may have a role in the treatment of plantar warts with no side effects or tissue damage. A double blind trial in a large population should be conducted to further verify the effects of treating viral warts with cimetidine.