How Good is 5-Fluorouracil to Treat Plantar Warts?

Discussion Veruccae plantaris or plantar warts are caused by Human papillomavirus which causes benign epidermal tumors that often have a cauliflower pattern on the foot that may be elevated or flush with the surrounding skin. Lesions may resemble calluses but the normal footprint pattern is disrupted. The lesions often have pinpoint hemorrhages that appear as black dots. In an immunocompetent individual, the lesions usually have spontaneous resolution within 2 years but the infection may spread to create additional lesions. The lesions may also cause pain or discomfort because of their size or location. Plantar warts are often difficult to treat. Treatments include keratolytics (e.g. salicylic acid (SA) or tricholoacetamic acid), cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, electrodesiccation, or direct surgical removal. Suffocation by duct tape and plastic have also been used. Immunotherapy with candida, mumps or trichophytin antigens have been used more recently. These are felt to induce a local and distant immunoresponse that destroys the lesions. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) is an antineoplastic and antimetabolite that inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis which is believed to be the mechanism that stops wart proliferation WartPEEL®. WartPEEL® is a compounded medication available only in certain locations in the United States. Learning Point Warts are difficult to treat. It takes a long time to treat them. Relapse and spread are common. There can be pain and discomfort with each treatme...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news