Topical Photodynamic Therapy of Verruca Using a Light-Emitting Diode Device

Abstract

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been reported to be useful in treating nonmelanoma skin cancers and a variety of benign skin conditions including warts. However, only one case of condyloma acuminata treated with PDT has been reported in Korea. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complete response rate and side effect of PDT, using light emitting diode (LED) device and 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to treat recalcitrant verruca. Methods: We treated 8 cases of recalcitrant verruca (3 cases of verruca vulgaris, 3 cases of verruca plana, 2 cases of condyloma acuminata) with PDT, using ALA and a 630+/-50nm LED device. The light intensity was 30-50mW/cm2 and the light dose was 50-120J/cm2. Results: After treatment, two cases of verruca plana showed complete response, and one case of verruca plana, two cases of verruca vulgaris, and two cases of condyloma acuminata showed partial response. However, one case of verruca vulgaris showed no response. There was only burning sensation and/or wheals during treatments. Conclusion: Topical PDT may be an alternative therapy in the treatment of verruca, especially of verruca plana.