Topical treatment of common warts in an HIV-positive patient with imiquimod 5% cream.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects and destroys crucial components of the immune system, leaving patients susceptible to a number of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. Viral warts are caused by human papillomavirus infection and are a common skin disease that afflicts HIV-infected patients. Treatment modalities currently rely on destruction of the infected tissue or interruption of cell division; however, frequent recurrence is a particular challenge in HIV-infected patients. We report the case of a 41-year-old HIV-positive man with multiple common warts located on his hands and feet. Following 5 months of treatment with imiquimod, an immune response modifier, as a 5% cream, complete clearance of all warts was achieved. Mild erythma, itching and burning at the application site was observed in the early stages of treatment. The patient showed no relapse of warts at the 30-month follow-up visit.
Juschka
U
U
Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. ulrike_juschka@med.uni-heldelberg.de
Hartmann
M
M
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014860:Warts / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000077271:Imiquimod