Comparison of 40% Trichloroacetic Acid and Cryotherapy for the Treatment of Plantar Warts: A Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial Publisher Pubmed



Karrabi M^{1, 2} ; Kheirkhah M³ ; Shahrestanaki E⁴ ; Thomas S⁵ ; Sahebkar M^{3, 6}
Source: Dermatologic Therapy Published:2020

Abstract

Plantar warts can cause pain near the toes and the sole of the foot and may result in referral for treatment. This study was aimed at comparing 40% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and cryotherapy (Cryo) for the treatment of plantar warts. This single-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 subjects presenting with plantar wart in Sabzevar, Iran in 2018. The first intervention group was treated with 40% TCA in four sessions within 4 weeks. The second intervention group was treated with Cryo using liquid nitrogen in four sessions within 8 weeks. The mean (SD) age of subjects was 20.16 ± 5.96 years and 68.33% (n = 41) were male. Although the resolution rate of warts in the TCA 40% group was greater than the Cryo group, there was no statistical association found between the two groups by adjusting age, sex, and basal time (P =.648). Findings suggest that although 40% TCA was almost as effective as Cryo in the treatment of plantar warts, considering the lower adverse effects of TCA 40% group as compared to the Cryo group, it could be a proper alternative. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.