To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1% and 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) creams compared with 90% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for the treatment of anogenital warts. we conducted a randomised controlled study in 72 subjects allocated to three groups: 1% 5-FU, 90% TCA and 5% 5-FU; 90% TCA was administered once a week, whereas 5-FU cream was applied three times a week. Response to therapy and side-effects were evaluated weekly for seven weeks. Evaluation at week 7 demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the efficacy between 1% 5-FU cream and 90% TCA ( p =  0.763) or between 5% 5-FU cream and 90% TCA ( p =  0.274). Subjective side-effects with 1% 5-FU were significantly milder than 90% TCA; however, significantly milder objective side-effects were observed only at weeks 2, 6 and 7. The subjective side-effects with 5% 5-FU were also significantly milder than 90% TCA; however, significantly milder objective side-effects were observed only at week 2. 5-FU may become an alternative topical therapy as it offers the benefit of self-application; furthermore, a concentration of 1% 5-FU cream is recommended due to milder side-effects.

Herbal medicines have long been used for traditional treatment of diseases. Our ancestors used plants empirically as treatment and for the maintenance of health inherited from generation to generation. At present, most of the research and development of drugs is still focused on a single compound as the main compound against the treatment target. It is difficult to get a single compound chemical with high selectivity and potential but low toxicity to the target of the disease. Empiric treatment with medicinal plants is particularly a concern in cancer treatment, where treatment is currently done with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. The active compound of herbal plants is one alternative in searching for a new anti-cancer because it is believed to have minimal side effects. Therefore, the design and development of anti-cancer drug candidate from herbal plants are increasingly in demand.

Systemic fungal infection can disseminate to the skin and require prompt treatment, making early diagnosis very important. This study describes the use of a simple, quick touch biopsy method for the diagnosis of invasive mycoses in patients with AIDS with cutaneous manifestations. We identified fungal infections in 24 of the 29 investigated patients. Histoplasma capsulatum, Cryptococcus neoformans, Talaromyces artroroseus, Aspergillus flavus, Candida tropicalis, and Malassezia sp. were visualized directly in samples obtained from cutaneous lesions and confirmed by culture and molecular examination. The results suggested that touch biopsy is a simple, rapid method for the diagnosis of systemic mycoses with skin dissemination. It can be performed using simple tools and provides quick results, allowing for early intervention with appropriate antifungal therapy.

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