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Photodynamic therapy versus candida antigen immunotherapy in plane wart treatment: a comparative controlled study
A Nassar1, M Mostafa1, S A Khashaba1
1Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Egypt.
Introduction:
Plane warts, mostly found on the face, present a challenge to treat as most destructive methods can lead to unpleasant cosmetic outcome. Alternative therapeutic methods should be evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of photodynamic therapy with methylene blue and intense pulsed light in comparison to candida antigen immunotherapy in the treatment of plane warts.
Methods:
The study included 39 patients with plane warts assigned into 3 groups. Group I received photodynamic therapy using methylene blue followed by IPL illumination, group II received immunotherapy using 0.1 ml of candida albicans antigen and group III received 0.1 ml saline as a control.
Results:
Complete response was detected in (46.1%) of patients in group I compared to (61.5%) in group II and no response in group III.
Conclusion:
Candida antigen immunotherapy is superior to photodynamic therapy in plane warts treatment with absence of recurrence and comparable side effects in both groups.
Insights
Candida antigen immunotherapy is more effective than photodynamic therapy for treating plane warts, showing better results and no recurrence. Both treatments had similar side effects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Plane warts on the face are difficult to treat with conventional methods due to potential cosmetic disfigurement.
- Investigating alternative therapies for plane warts is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using methylene blue and intense pulsed light (IPL) against Candida antigen immunotherapy for plane warts.
- To evaluate PDT with methylene blue and IPL versus Candida antigen immunotherapy in treating plane warts.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 39 patients with plane warts was conducted.
- Patients were divided into three groups: Group I received PDT with methylene blue and IPL, Group II received Candida antigen immunotherapy, and Group III received a saline control.
- Treatment involved photodynamic therapy with methylene blue and IPL illumination, or immunotherapy with Candida albicans antigen.
Main Results:
- Complete response rates were 46.1% for PDT (Group I) and 61.5% for Candida antigen immunotherapy (Group II).
- The control group (Group III) showed no response.
- Group II demonstrated a higher complete response rate compared to Group I.
Conclusions:
- Candida antigen immunotherapy is superior to photodynamic therapy for treating plane warts.
- Immunotherapy showed no recurrence, and both treatments had comparable side effects.
- Photodynamic therapy with methylene blue and IPL is less effective than Candida antigen immunotherapy for plane warts.
