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Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser effective in treating facial plane warts

Patients with facial plane warts were treated effectively with one session of long-pulsed 532-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser, with minimal adverse events, according to recently published study results.

Researchers studied 160 Yemeni patients (98 males; age range, 5-55 years) who presented with one to more than 20 facial plane warts between 2012 and 2014 at the dermatology department of the Sana’a University Hospital in Sana’a, Yemen. There were 1,668 lesions present between 1 to more than 24 months, with 61.6% among male patients.

Exclusion factors included patients who had undergone treatment in the previous 6 months, had a history of hypertrophic scars or keloid, or who had active bacterial or viral infections at the site of laser treatment.

Patients received one laser treatment using a long-pulsed neodymium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (Light C, Quanta System) with parameters including: wavelength, 532 nm; pulse duration, 20 millisecond; spot size, 2 mm; and fluence, 20 to 25 J/cm². The laser session included one or multiple courses of slightly overlapping pulses applied to each wart, which covered wart itself and a 1-mm surrounding margin.

When graying or whitening of the wart was noted, treatment was ended.

Color digital photographs were taken before and immediately after treatment and at 1, 4 and 16 weeks after treatment.

Among all patients, 92% achieved complete clearance of all warts, while 8% had a partial cure. The cure rate decreased based on number of warts, with 100% complete clearance for one to five warts to 86% clearance for more than 20 warts. Younger age of lesion also resulted in a higher clearance rate.

There were minimal adverse events, including mild textural changes observed in less than 1% of patients. Pigmentary alternation was temporary and occurred in less than 3% of patients because of a strict sun-protection protocol in the study. Pain during treatment was acceptable by most patients, and there were no permanent adverse events noted during follow-up.

“This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of long-pulsed nd:YAG laser for treating facial warts,” the researchers concluded. “A clearance rate of up to 92% was achieved, and this rate decreased with age and the number of facial warts.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.