Background: Human papillomavirus causes warts, which are benign growths on the skin or in the mucosa. Methotrexate (MTX), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as well as curettage are just a few of the options for treating common warts. Objective: To compare the safety and clinical outcome of MTX application versus curettage and TCA (100%) application in managing planter warts.
Subjects and Methods: AtZagazig University's Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, we did a randomized, controlled clinical trial study from September 2021 to February 2022. Ninety individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 who presented with plantar warts at the time of their initial visit were included in the analysis. Two groups of patients were chosen at random. 45 patients were put into the IL-MTX group (MTX). Group TCA consisted of 45 individuals who were treated with (TCA) 100 % needling. Results: Number and size of warts were examined before and after treatment, and both groups showed a statistically significant decrease after treatment compared to before treatment. There was slight advantage of TCA therapy over MTX therapy. Also, assessment of number of sessions required to achieve clinical response revealed statistically significant better response with TCA therapy compared to MTX therapy.
Conclusion: Intralesional MTX is the most economically viable option because it is simple to administer and requires no special equipment. Therefore, it may be used as a primary treatment modality in plantar warts in patients where electrosurgery is limited due to the pain.