Evaluation of Acitretin in the Treatment of Multiple Recalcitrant Common Warts: a Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Oral acitretin, a synthetic compound of retinoids, seems to be a promising modality in treating warts. To the best of our knowledge, no studies regarding its use have been performed on Egyptian patients. Objectives: Evaluating the role of acitretin in the treatment of multiple recalcitrant common warts. Patients and Methods: Forty adult patients with multiple recalcitrant warts were treated with oral acitretin [20 with 1 mg/kg/day for 3 month (group A), 20 with 0.5 mg/kg/day for 3 months (group B), and 20 served as controls and were given placebo (group C)]. Results: Oral acitretin was found to be a statistically significant therapy compared to placebo in treating warts. Total clearance of lesions was noted in 70% of group A compared to 80% in group B and none in group C. A non significant difference between group A and B was noted. However, there was a significant relation between the clinical response and the duration of disease, as the longer the duration of the disease, the higher was the percentage of patients showing complete response to therapy. Conclusions: Acitretin can be used as an effective non-invasive alternative form of therapy for multiple recalcitrant common warts.