Long Pulsed Nd:YAG Lasers in the Management of Cutaneous Warts

Background Despite multiple treatment options, there is no consensus on a particular treatment modality in warts. Previous studies have reported safety and efficacy of long-pulsed Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, with clearance rates higher than those achieved with other therapies. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of warts in Nepal. Objective To assess the efficacy of Long pulsed Nd:YAG in the management of verruca vulgaris. Method Fourty cases of common warts over hands and feet were enrolled in the study. Patients with less than 10 lesions were chosen. Up to three sessions of 1064 nm Long pulse Nd:YAG treatment were done, at the interval of one month. No concomitant topical or other treatment was done. Result Out of the 40 patients, four patients were lost to follow up. Among 36 patients, eight patients (22%) achieved clearance of warts in single session, while 12 (33%) patients and six patients (16%) improved after second and third sessions of laser respectively. Hence, we observed 72% clearance rate after three sessions of lasers. Adverse effects were pain during treatment and scarring in few patients. Conclusion Long pulse Nd:YAG is effective in the treatment of verruca. However, pain and tissue damage are the limitations. Hence, we suggest that Long Pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are effective in recalcitrant cutaneous and palmoplantar warts.