DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i09.019

Pages: 3331-3338

Warts are caused by infection of keratinocytes (the predominant cell type in the epidermis) by human papillomavirus (HPV). The development of epidermal thickening a hyperkeratinization occurs following infection at the basal layer and clonal proliferation, which eventually results in a visible wart, weeks or even months later. To assess the efficacy and safety of oral isotretinoin in the treatment of viral warts and to assess the recurrence rate/relapse rate of viral warts with oral isotretinoin. This prospective interventional uncontrolled study was conducted on 50 patients of viral warts attending the outpatient department of dermatology and venerology department and will be given oral isotretinoin for a period of 3 months to 6 months. The data regarding patient particulars, diagnosis was collected in a specially designed case recording form and transferred to a master chart subjected to statistical methods like mean, standard deviation, proportion, percentage calculation and wherever necessary chi square test for proportion are used. 43 patients completed the study. 22 patients (51%) in the study population took treatment for 3 months while 21 patients (49%) for 6 months. 18 (42%) patients had a complete response. Out of the 18 patients, complete response was obtained in 10 (55.6%) patients at 3 months and in 8 patients (44.4%) at 6 months of therapy. 15 (35%) patients had a partial response. 10 (23%) patients had no response. In conclusion, oral isotretinoin is a safe and effective modality of treatment forViral Warts especially when painful destructive procedures are to be avoided which lead to theresultant painful and lengthy process of wound healing and trauma to the patient. Also whendealing with patients with multiple plane warts, especially in aesthetically sensitive areasrecalcitrant to standard therapy, systemic isotretinoin should be considered.