Background: Plantar warts are common skin lesions caused by the human papilloma virus. It is characterized by presence of a horny ring of hyperkeratosis surrounding the wart, making its elimination a therapeutic challenge. Several destructive agents are available for treatment with variable success. Intralesional vitamin D3 has been reported a successful treatment of warts. Intralesional zinc sulfate has been found to be another successful therapeutic modality for wart elimination.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of intralesional Vit. D3 versus zinc sulfate in treatment of plantar warts. Patients and Methods: 40 patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to either (Vit. D3 group) or (Zinc group).In (Vit. D3 group), patients received intralesional injection of 0.3ml vitamin D3[100,000 I.U (2.5 mg/ml), while (Zinc group) patients received intralesional 2% zinc sulfate. Assessment of treatment efficacy and safety was carried out by clinical examination and comparative photographic evaluation before each session and up to 3 months after the last session.
Results: 80% of Vit. D3 treated patients and 70% of zinc sulfate patients showed complete response.
Conclusion: Intralesional Vit. D3 and Zinc sulfate appear to be effective treatment modalities for plantar warts.