title: Pulsed dye laser treatment for facial flat warts.
abstract: The facial flat wart is not only a contagious viral disease, but also a cause of a distressing cosmetic problem. Although there are many therapeutic options, including salicylic acid, imiquimod, cryotherapy, retinoids, intralesional immunotherapy, and topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy among others, no monotherapy has been proved to achieve complete remission in every case. Treatment with pulsed dye laser (PDL) seems to be a promising therapeutic option. To assess the efficacy and safety of PDL in a series of patients with viral flat warts on the face, in this prospective study, 32 patients were treated with PDL at 595-nm wavelength, a laser energy density of 9 or 14 J/cm(2) with a spot size of 7 or 5 mm, respectively, with air cooling and a pulse duration of 0.5 millisecond. A complete response was noted in 14 patients (44%), and an excellent response was observed in 18 patients (56%) with 1-year follow-up, with only four recurrences. No significant side effects were reported except intense transitory purpuric response. We consider that PDL is a good option of treatment for flat warts on the face due to its good clinical results, fast response, and low incidence of side effects.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Grillo
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Boixeda
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Ballester
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Miguel-Morrondo
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Truchuelo
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Jaén
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014860:Warts / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: flat warts; pulsed dye laser; treatment