The Efficacy of Topical Photodynamic Therapy with a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Device for Recalcitrant Hand and Foot Warts

Kim, Tae Yoon; Kim, Dong Hyun; Yoon, Moon Soo

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The treatment of recalcitrant hand and foot warts is a therapeutic challenge. Aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) has recently been reported to show high curative rates, but there has been relatively little research on this in Korea.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of ALA-PDT with using a light emitting diode (LED) device and 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid for the treatment of recalcitrant hand and foot warts.
METHODS
One hundred four warts from 19 patients were selected and then treated with PDT using 20% ALA and a 633-nm LED device until all the lesions had cleared. The light dose was 90~120 J/cm2.
RESULTS
The mean number of treatment sessions was 9.1; those for the foot warts and hand warts were 11.2 and 6.5, respectively. After the treatment sessions, a complete response was seen for 55 of 104 warts (52.9%), a partial response-good was seen for 21 of 104 warts (20.2%), a partial response-poor was seen for 18 of 104 warts (17.3%), and no response was seen for 10 of 104 (9.6%). All the patients reported pain during the treatment and 11 patients (57.9%) also had pain at 24 hours after treatment. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in 4 of 19 patients (21.1%).
CONCLUSION
ALA-PDT can be a non-invasive and effective treatment modality for recalcitrant hand and foot warts.