evaluation of a new method for bleomycin intralesional injection for the treatment of recalcitrant warts

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine efficacy, safety and patients acceptance of a new method for introducing bleomycin into warts by pricking it with a needle into the warts compared with direct intralesional injection of 1% bleomycin sulfate solution in normal saline. It was found that both techniques are equally effective with cure rate of 73.8% and 71.1% for the pricking and intralesional method, respectively. Palmar warts had the best response, while periungual warts were less responsive. Local pain was, on the whole, well tolerated. No laboratory abnormalities were noticed after treatment. It was concluded that the pricking method used for treatment of resistant warts is reliable, safe and acceptable to patients. It will be more acceptable if an effective topical anesthetic is available instead of local injection anesthesia