Korean J Dermatol.  2021 Jan;59(1):1-7.

Questionnaire Investigation of the Treatment History and Characteristics of Patients with Recalcitrant Warts: A Pilot Study

• Choi S
• Chung KY
• Oh BH

Abstract

Background
Refractory warts remain unresponsive to a variety of treatment modalities. A questionnaire survey that includes information regarding patients’ symptoms and history can provide a deeper understanding of the discomfort and difficulties experienced by patients.
Objective
We used a questionnaire to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and discomfort experienced by patients diagnosed with recalcitrant warts.
Methods
This survey was performed in patients with warts who first visited the Dermatology Department at Severance Hospital between March 1, 2018 and March 31, 2020. The questionnaire included information regarding age, sex, family history, disease onset, location and number of lesions, treatment history, and effectiveness.
Results
Among the 116 patients with recalcitrant warts included in this study, the mean number of lesions was 6.73; most lesions were observed on the hands and feet. The most common treatment performed previously included cryotherapy (89/116, 76.7%), followed by topical application of medications (69/116, 59.5%), and laser therapy (47/116, 40.5%). Of the total respondents, 60.3% (70/116) of patients admitted that previous treatment was ineffective, and 83.6% (97/116) of patients had one or more complaints secondary to the warts.
Conclusion
Treatment of recalcitrant warts should focus on selection of an optimal therapeutic option based on patients’ treatment history, discomfort, and effects on their quality of life. This study would serve as a guideline to establish a future classification and treatment algorithm for recalcitrant warts.

Keyword

Cryotherapy; Warts