Evaluation of intralesional 5-fluorouracil versus intralesional interferon alpha in treatment of warts

Abstract

Background: Warts are non-malignant growth of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). It can significantly impact the quality of life for patients and elicit feeling of embarrassment. Aim and objectives: A comparative analysis of the efficacy of intralesional 5-FU and intralesional interferon alpha among distinct groups of patients diagnosed with warts. Patients and methods: This is a cohort of sixty individuals diagnosed with warts were selected from the period of early April 2022 to the end of April 2023. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P-value=0.005) seen between the two groups, namely group A and group B, in relation to the final response. In group A (5-Fluorouracil)), complete clearance was achieved by 23 patients (76.7%), with 7 patients (23.3%) showing partial response. No instances of resistance were observed in this group. Conversely, in group B (Interferon alpha), only 11 patients (36.7%) attained complete clearance, while 16 patients (53.3%) exhibited partial response, and resistance was evident in 3 cases (10%). Conclusion: Intralesional 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is highly effective, cheaper, and easily available in treating warts. The combination of the both treatments may deliver a greater benefit to patients with resistant warts.