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Author Spotlight: Dermatopathology and the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Published on: November 8, 2024
Oral isotretinoin versus acitretin in male patients with multiple recalcitrant common warts: A randomized,
Ahmad Nofal1,2, Mohamed M Fawzy2,3, Fatma Eldeeb1,2
1Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Background:
Management of multiple recalcitrant common warts represents a therapeutic challenge. Both oral isotretinoin and acitretin have shown a promising efficacy in the treatment of various types of warts. However, a comparative study of the two medicines in wart treatment has not yet been conducted.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of oral isotretinoin versus acitretin in the treatment of multiple recalcitrant common warts.
Methods:
This study was conducted on 75 adult male patients with recalcitrant multiple common warts. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (30 patients) received oral isotretinoin, group 2 (30 patients) received acitretin, and group 3 received oral placebo (15 patients). The treatment was given daily until complete clearance or for a maximum of 3 months.
Results:
Complete clearance of the treated lesions was observed in 18 patients (60%) of the isotretinoin group, in 22 patients (73.3%) of the acitretin group, and in 0 patients (0%) of the placebo group. A statistically significant difference was observed in the therapeutic response between the treatment groups, and the placebo group was observed. Adverse effects of the used drugs were mild and transient.
Conclusion:
Oral isotretinoin and acitretin are promising effective modalities with minimal side effects for the treatment male patients with multiple recalcitrant common warts with a relative superiority of acitretin.
