Abstract

Introduction: Immunotherapy is emerging as a new modality of treatment for cutaneous warts by enhancing cell mediated immunity. Immunotherapy is replacing destructive modalities such as electrocautery and cryotherapy due to its advantages over former, such as affordability, easy availability and minimal downtime. The most common immunotherapeutic agents for warts include intralesional vitamin D3, Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR), Bacille calmette-Guerin (BCG) and Purified protein derivative (PPD).
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 for the treatment of cutaneous warts.
Objectives

To provide better quality of life.
To assess the clinical response regarding the treatment given.

Material & Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted from February 2021 to January 2022. Forty clinically diagnosed patients with cutaneous warts were taken up for the study after taking written informed consent. Patients were injected with vitamin D3 (0.2 mL, 15mg/mL) at the base of the wart after injecting with lignocaine earlier. The injections were repeated at an interval of 2 weeks for a maximum of 4 sessions or until clearance of warts, whichever was earlier. A maximum of 2-3 warts were treated per session, and patients were followed up for 6 months after the last injection.
Results: Forty patients with multiple warts were recruited for the study. Of these, 26 (65%) had palmoplantar warts, 8 (20%) were verruca vulgaris, 4 (10%) had filiform warts, and 1 (3%) periungual wart. One patient had all the types of warts. Out of these, 26 (65%) showed complete resolution, 9 (22.5%) showed moderate response and 5 (12.5%) had a mild response. Recurrence was observed in 5 (13%) patients during 6 months of follow-up. Serum vitamin D3 levels were found to be low in most patients.
Conclusion: Intralesional vitamin D3 is safe, effective, affordable and hassle-free procedure both for patients and dermatologists with minimum downtime.