Comparative Study between Intralesional Injection versus Intradermal Injection of Candida Albicans Antigen as An Effective Treatment of Common Warts

Abstract

Background: Warts, or verrucae, are benign epithelial proliferations of skin and mucosa caused by infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). They are common skin condition that can range in severity from a minor nuisance that resolves spontaneously to troublesome, chronic condition. Objective: The aim of the present study is to compare between intralesional injection of candida albicans antigen versus intradermal injection as an effective treatment of common warts. Patients and methods: This study included 60 (sixty) patients (adult males and females) were suffering from common warts. The patients were divided into two equal groups of 30 patients each: Group A treated by intradermal injection of candida albicans antigen. Group B treated by intralesional injection of candida albicans antigen in one of their warts (mother wart) which was chosen and marked. The patients were collected from the outpatient's clinics of Dermatology and Venereology Department of Al- Hossein University Hospital. Results: As we compared the response to candida albicans antigen injection, we found a highly significant cure response in intralesional injections over intradermal injections. After 6 months follow up in patients who responded by complete cure (29 patients), there was no recurrence in 26 patients (89.6%) and only 3 cases (10.4%) developed partially recurrence. As regard to side effects there were no side effects in 43 cases (71.7%). Conclusion: candida albicans antigen injection seems to be promising effective and safe remedy for cutaneous warts with good cure rates and excellent safety profile.