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Treatment of common warts using the infrared coagulator
1Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Background:
The infrared coagulator (IRC) is an instrument that delivers a narrow beam of noncoherent infrared light to the skin surface.
Objective:
The purpose of the study was to determine the utility of the infrared coagulator in treating common warts of the hands and feet.
Methods:
Forty-four warts in 21 patients were treated with 1.25-second pulse durations. Thirty-one of the warts were recurrent after previous electrosurgery or cryosurgery. Average follow-up time was 11 months.
Results:
Overall, 25 warts (57%) resolved after one treatment, 6 warts (14%) regressed and cleared with additional treatment, and 13 warts (30%) recurred, giving an overall cure rate of 70%. Eleven of the 21 patients (52%) were cleared of all their treated warts.
Conclusion:
The IRC is a useful therapeutic modality for common warts.