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Topical zinc oxide vs. salicylic acid–lactic acid combination in the treatment of warts
Author(s) -
Khattar Joe A.,
Musharrafieh Umayya M.,
Tamim Hala,
Hamadeh Ghassan N.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2006.03138.x
Subject(s) - medicine , salicylic acid , zinc , lactic acid , dermatology , biochemistry , bacteria , organic chemistry , chemistry , biology , genetics
Background Warts are a common dermatologic problem. Treatment is painful, prolonged, and can cause scarring. Objective To evaluate topical zinc oxide for the treatment of warts. Methods This was a randomized, double‐blind controlled trial of 44 patients. Twenty‐two patients were given topical zinc oxide 20% ointment, and the other 22 received salicylic acid 15% + lactic acid 15% ointment twice daily. All patients were followed up for 3 months or until cure, whichever occurred first. All patients were observed for side‐effects. Results Sixteen patients in the zinc group and 19 in the salicylic acid–lactic acid group completed the study. In the zinc oxide‐treated group, 50% of the patients showed complete cure and 18.7% failed to respond, compared with 42% and 26%, respectively, in the salicylic acid–lactic acid‐treated group. No patients developed serious side‐effects. Conclusion Topical zinc oxide is an efficacious, painless, and safe therapeutic option for wart treatment.