Successful Treatment of Plantar Warts with Very Diluted Bleomycin Using a Translesional Multipuncture Technique: Pilot Prospective Study

Abstract

Background:

Plantar warts are common and often painful. Treatment of plantar warts is difficult and requires multiple treatments. Several clinical trials have proven the efficacy of bleomycin, but relatively high concentrations have been required and considerable side effects have been experienced.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-concentration (0.1 U/mL) bleomycin using a translesional injection technique for the treatment of plantar warts.

Methods:

The study included 23 patients with single or multiple plantar warts. Very low-concentration bleomycin was injected into a single wart or the largest plantar wart in the case of multiple lesions. Injections were performed at 4-week intervals until resolution of the warts or development of side effects. The translesional multipuncture technique was used.

Results:

Thirteen patients were male (56.5%), and the mean age was 27.7 years. The results revealed complete clearance of warts in 17 of 23 (74%) patients, partial response in 1 (4.3%) patient, and no response in 3 (13%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 2 patients at 3 months of follow-up. Among those two, one patient showed complete clearance after the second injection at 6 months of follow-up. All patients were followed for 6 months after the initial treatment. No significant long-term adverse effects were noted. Only three patients (13%) had localized moderate pain for 2 to 3 days after the injection.

Conclusion:

Translesional injection by very low-concentration (0.1 U/mL) bleomycin appears to be a simple, effective, and safe treatment modality for plantar warts.