Warts Treatment by 810 nm Diode Laser Irradiation: A New Approach

Abstract

The present work was done in an attempt to build systematic procedures for treating warts by 810 nm diode laser regarding dose parameters, application parameters and laser safety. The study was done in Al- Kindy Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq during the period from 1st October 2003 till 1st April 2004. Fifteen patients completed the treatment and they were followed for the period of 3 months. Recalcitrant and extensive warts were selected for the study. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups to be treated by different laser powers 9, 12 and 15 W, power density of 286 W/cm2, 381W/cm2, 477 W/cm2 pulse duration of 0.2 s, interval of 0.2 s and repeated pulses were used. The mode of application was either circular or radial. Pain occurred for about 1 week after treatment especially on movement (when lesions near joint) to all group and power density. Oozing occurred from lesion with scales and oedema after laser treatment for about 1 week. Post-inflammatory hypo-pigmentation might occur after the lesion have healed completely. No recurrence of lesions after complete healing of lesions. Complete healing of the lesion was noticed, no scarring after complete healing of lesion. Diode laser therapy of recalcitrant and extensive viral warts could be considered as a valuable alternative to other more traditional techniques. This treatment can offer a good result in eliminating the verrucae and their sequelae of recurrence, scarring and the post-operative pain.