Archana Singal1, Chander Grover1. 1. Department of Dermatology and STD, University College of Medical Sciences and G.T.B. Hospital, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ungual warts are common fibroepithelial tumours of the nail unit caused by human papillomavirus. Although various treatment modalities are available, their management is challenging due to high potential for recurrence and treatment-related nail dystrophy. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of intralesional bleomycin injections in the treatment of ungual warts. METHODS: Medical records of 80 patients with ungual warts, treated by us from 2015 to 2019, were analysed retrospectively with respect to the number of warts, site, morphology, and treatment outcome. Children <5 years of age, and pregnant and lactating women were excluded. All ungual warts were treated with intralesional injections of bleomycin 3 Units/mL, given at 3-4 weeks interval. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A total of 250 periungual and subungual warts were treated in 80 patients. An average of 2.61 sessions per patient was required for complete resolution. Moderate pain was reported by 65 patients (81.2%), and transitory perilesional hyperpigmentation was observed in 155 lesions (62%). Severe pain and necrosis developed in 3 lesions (1.2%) that were reversible without any residual scarring and deformity. We conclude that intralesional bleomycin is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for ungual warts.
INTRODUCTION: Ungual warts are common fibroepithelial tumours of the nail unit caused by human papillomavirus. Although various treatment modalities are available, their management is challenging due to high potential for recurrence and treatment-related nail dystrophy. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of intralesional bleomycin injections in the treatment of ungual warts. METHODS: Medical records of 80 patients with ungual warts, treated by us from 2015 to 2019, were analysed retrospectively with respect to the number of warts, site, morphology, and treatment outcome. Children <5 years of age, and pregnant and lactating women were excluded. All ungual warts were treated with intralesional injections of bleomycin 3 Units/mL, given at 3-4 weeks interval. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A total of 250 periungual and subungual warts were treated in 80 patients. An average of 2.61 sessions per patient was required for complete resolution. Moderate pain was reported by 65 patients (81.2%), and transitory perilesional hyperpigmentation was observed in 155 lesions (62%). Severe pain and necrosis developed in 3 lesions (1.2%) that were reversible without any residual scarring and deformity. We conclude that intralesional bleomycin is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for ungual warts.