Hydrogen Peroxide 40% Versus Salicylic Acid 40% for Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are common benign lesions caused by human papillomavirus on weight-bearing areas causing pain and functional impairment. This is a randomized parallel assignment study conducted at the Outpatient Dermatology Clinic Assiut University Hospital. Eligible patients with clinically diagnosed plantar warts will be randomized in 1 to 1 ratio to topical hydrogen peroxide 40 percent applied once weekly by physician or topical salicylic acid 40 percent self-applied once daily. Treatment duration 12 weeks with assessments every 2 weeks including measurement size photographs clearance status adverse effects compliance and satisfaction.

Inclusion criteria

• Age greater than or equal to 12 years of both sexes
• Clinically diagnosed plantar wart or warts
• Wart duration at least 2 weeks prior to enrollment
• Willing and able to give written informed consent or parental consent for minors
• Able to attend follow-up visits and comply with home-application protocol

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or lactating women
• Immunocompromised patients including HIV infection organ transplant recipients or on immunosuppressive therapy
• Diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease
• Known hypersensitivity to hydrogen peroxide or salicylic acid
• Received any topical or systemic wart treatment within preceding 4 weeks
• Clinically atypical lesions raising suspicion of malignancy
• Active local skin infection or open wound at treatment site
• Unable or unwilling to complete follow-up schedule