Evaluation of podophyllin and Trichloroacetic acid for the treatment of genital warts in Iraqi female patients

Abstract

Background: human paillomavirus infections (genital warts) are the most frequent sexually transmitted viral infections. a wide range of treatment options is available with different efficacy.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of podophyllin, trichloracetic acid (TCA) in the treatment of genital warts and side effects of them.

Subjects and methods: a total of sixty patients with genital warts were randomly selected, 30 in each group, in the Department of Dermatology, medical city for a Duration of 11 months from January 2009 to December 2009 treated with 35 % podophyllin in the tincture of benzoin or 50%  TCA) .Forty-eight patients were followed up for three months.

Results: warts cleared in 63% and 70% of the patients after treatment with podophyllin and TCA respectively within 3 months. Soreness happened in 6 patients with podophyllin and in 9 patients with TCA. small ulcers happened in 1 patient by podophyllin and 2 patients with TCA. pain was in 5 patients treated by podophyllin and in 6 patients treated by TCA. erythema was noticed in 10 patients treated by podophyllin and in 11 patients treated by TCA.

Conclusion:  there was a higher clearance rate with TCA and earlier response. The occurrence of adverse reactions is little more with TCA