Treatment of common warts using the infrared coagulator.
BACKGROUND
The infrared coagulator (IRC) is an instrument that delivers a narrow beam of noncoherent infrared light to the skin surface.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to determine the utility of the infrared coagulator in treating common warts of the hands and feet.


METHODS
Forty-four warts in 21 patients were treated with 1.25-second pulse durations. Thirty-one of the warts were recurrent after previous electrosurgery or cryosurgery. Average follow-up time was 11 months.


RESULTS
Overall, 25 warts (57%) resolved after one treatment, 6 warts (14%) regressed and cleared with additional treatment, and 13 warts (30%) recurred, giving an overall cure rate of 70%. Eleven of the 21 patients (52%) were cleared of all their treated warts.


CONCLUSIONS
The IRC is a useful therapeutic modality for common warts.
Halasz
C L
CL
Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000601:surgery*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008028:Light Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014860:Warts / Q000601:surgery*