Fractional Laser-Assisted Topical Imiquimod 5% Cream Treatment for Recalcitrant Common Warts in Children: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Conventional treatments for warts like cryotherapy are limited by the pain during procedures, especially in pediatric patients. Imiquimod is a topical immune response modifier, but the thick stratum corneum of common warts prevents drug permeation through skin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fractional laser/topical 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of warts in children.

METHODS: Eleven pediatric patients with multiple recalcitrant common warts were included. Lesions were treated using an ablative fractional 2,940-nm Er:YAG laser at 1- or 2-week interval. After each laser treatment session, imiquimod 5% cream was self-applied once daily 5 days a week. Response and adverse effects were assessed 2 weekly until complete clearance or up to maximum of 48 weeks. Pain during fractional laser was assessed using a visual analogue scale (0-10).

RESULTS: Eight of the 11 (72.7%) children experienced complete clearance. Mean duration was 29.7 (16-48) weeks, and the mean number of fractional laser was 17.5 (8-37). No significant adverse effect was observed. Pain visual analogue scale during fractional laser was 2.4 (1-4) compared to 6.2 (5-8) during cryotherapy.

CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicates that fractional laser-assisted topical imiquimod may provide benefit for recalcitrant warts in children.