Clinical evidence of 595 nm pulse dye laser treatment for viral warts on hands and feet

BACKGROUND: Viral warts, induced by infection by different HPV genotypes, are highly frequent in the general population, particularly during infancy and among adolescents. The effectiveness of the 595 nm Pulse dye‐laser in treating viral warts on the hands and feet in both adults and children was investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selection of 203 patients with multiple viral warts was made. All patients underwent 4–5 treatment sessions with a 595 nm pulse Dye Laser (PDL). Treatment outcome was assessed by a quartile scale: 1 indicates no or low results (0%–25% of the lesion area cleared), 2 indicates slight clearance (25%–50% of the lesion area cleared), 3 indicates moderate‐good clearance (50%–75%), and 4 indicates excellent clearance (75%–100%). Patients were asked for a subjective evaluation of the perceived overall results by means of the following score: unsatisfied (1), not very satisfied (2), satisfied (3), and very satisfied (4). Possible side effects were monitored. Results obtained were judged with a photographic evaluation, immediately and at the control visit (6 months after the last laser session). RESULTS: All patients observed global improvements. Most of the lesions were completely removed after laser therapy. A total of 95% of patients achieved excellent clearance and they were very satisfied following the laser treatment. Relevant side effects were absent in all patients. CONCLUSION: PDL treatment with the study device using a wavelength of 595 nm has proven to be a tolerable and safe therapy for viral warts management.