Abstract
Background: Warts are considered the foremost common infectious diseases affecting the epidermal keratinocytes, the causative agent is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Diagnosis usually can be confirmed depending on both the clinical features and family history. Although these viruses create no acute signs or symptoms, they induce slow growth of lesions that can remain for a long period. Aim: This study aims to assess the efficacy of topical imiquimod 5% cream in treating cutaneous warts and compare it with the effects of salicylic acid on cutaneous warts. Method: In this study a total of 68 patients were allocated randomly into two groups; one group treated with Imiquimod cream 5% (n=35) and the other group treated with salicylic acid 30% cream (n=33) to evaluate the difference between these two groups. The response to treatment is evaluated through pictures of the lesions taken before, during, and after treatment. Conclusion: Both topical imiquimod 5% cream and salicylic acid 30% cream can be used safely for the treatment of common warts. Topical salicylic acid cream 30% may show better efficacy but also has more risk of irritation.
