A Comparison of Two Treatment Methods, Trichloroacetic Acid, and Laser Therapy, in the Wart Treatment: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial in a University Hospital in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Warts are common skin disorders that are treated by a variety of methods. Therefore, researchers are searching for effective and less-complicated methods, especially for treatment-resistant warts. In this regard, the present study compared two methods, CO2 laser and trichloroacetic acid, to treat warts in patients who visited Khanevadeh Hospital from October 2013 to October 2014. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare two treatment methods, trichloroacetic acid, and CO2 laser, in patients with warts who visited Khanevadeh Hospital regarding side effects and efficacy of the treatment. Methods: The present interventional study, which had a randomized, double-blind clinical trial type, examined 60 patients with warts who visited Khanevadeh Hospital from October 2013 to October 2014, and determined and compared the side effects and efficacy of two treatment methods, CO2 laser, and Trichloroacetic acid. Results: The complete treatment effectiveness rate was 20% in the trichloroacetic acid group and 56.7% in the CO2 laser group, indicating a statistically significant difference (P = 0.005). There was no special side effect in any treatment methods. Conclusions: According to research results, the efficacy of CO2 laser was higher in treating warts than trichloroacetic acid; hence, its use is recommended in treating patients with warts because of its efficacy and safety.