Pulsed dye laser treatment of warts
A. N. Kauvar, D. H. McDaniel and R. G. Geronemus
Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, (NY), USA.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of the flashlamp-pumped
pulsed dye laser for the treatment of uncomplicated and recalcitrant warts.
DESIGN: Observational study. PATIENTS: A total of 142 patients with 703
recalcitrant and 25 previously untreated warts consecutively referred to
two tertiary care laser centers from July 1993 through January 1994.
INTERVENTION: Photocoagulation with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complete resolution of treated warts after a
follow-up ranging from 3 to 9 months. RESULTS: The overall response rates
were 99% for body, limb, and anogenital warts; 95% for hand warts; 84% for
plantar warts; and 83% for periungual warts. Side effects were limited and
infrequent. CONCLUSION: Pulsed dye laser therapy is a highly effective and
safe method used to selectively destroy warts without damaging the
surrounding skin.
