Efficacy of Punch Reduction Prior to Cryotherapy in Patients with Viral Warts: A Case-Control Study in a Single Tertiary Center

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous warts are a common complaint to visit dermatologic clinic and its course is variable, ranging from spontaneous resolution to a chronic condition refractory to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of punch biopsy for cutaneous warts. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients who received punch biopsy for warts were reviewed through charts and photos. Among them, 15 were matched with cryotherapy-only controls in terms of size and location of the wart. We compared the number and cost of treatments between the two groups. RESULTS: Eleven of the total 39 patients were treated with cryotherapy in addition to punch biopsy and the average number of treatments was 4.1±3.3 (mean±standard deviation). In a case-control study, the ratio value of cost was 2.9±3.6 in the experimental group and was 5.9±4.1 in controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Punch biopsies can decrease the number and cost of treatment by reducing the size of warts and inducing local inflammation to accelerate resolution. Therefore, punch reduction should be considered as a viable measure to treat warts.