Study the efficacy of intralesional formic acid-80% in verruca vulgaris

Efficacy of topical 85% formic acid solution in the treatment of warts

“…Cryotherapy is commonly used and gives good results, but may easily cause frostbite injuries and pain [3]. Laser treatment is effective but its high cost, the risk of posttreatment scarring, the relatively long healing time, and the presence of infection particles in laser fumes are significant disadvantages [4]. Finally, several investigators have used topical or intralesional imiquimod, podophyllin, and podophyllotoxin, but their efficacy in the complete elimination of warts has not yet been proven [5].…”

“…Formic acid applied to human tissue in high concentrations provokes denaturalization and coagulative necrosis, leading the virally infected cells to death. Clinically, formic acid application makes warts more whitish and causes the desquamation of their superficial layer [4].…”

“…The high success rate of wart treatment has been mentioned after topical puncture with 85% formic acid in a period of 1 to 3 months [6,7]. Tippanawar et al have also reported that 82% of patients treated with 80% formic acid intralesionally achieved complete disappearance of warts after 10 applications [4]. Handjani et al compared the efficacy of a topical 85% formic acid preparation with a combined topical solution of salicylic and lactic acid, and proved it to be an effective cure for warts after the use of formic acid, especially for warts located on the hands [8].…”

“…Apart from its efficacy, the use of formic acid is an inexpensive option with no equipment requirements. In addition, the risk of posttreatment scarring and nail dystrophy is low, and patients can return to their occupations immediately; no local anesthesia is required, which makes it well tolerated by children [4,[6][7][8]. As in all therapies, treatment with formic acid, a chemical acid, poses some adverse effects.…”