From thinning to disappearance: A case report on the healing pattern of multiple and giant plantar warts

Abstract

Rationale: Plantar warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, are a common skin condition on the plantar surface. Despite the availability of various treatments, achieving satisfactory outcomes remains elusive. This study explores a novel therapeutic approach combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) soaking therapy with cryotherapy to address this challenge. Patients concerns: This study focuses on 3 patients who presented with multiple and giant plantar warts, each with a disease duration exceeding 2 years. These patients had undergone numerous unsuccessful cryotherapy treatments, leaving them with persistent and troublesome warts. Diagnoses: All 3 patients were diagnosed with multiple and giant plantar warts caused by HPV infection. Interventions: Following unsuccessful cryotherapies, the patients were administered TCM soaking therapy as an adjunct treatment. Outcomes: Remarkably, all 3 patients achieved complete remission of their plantar warts within 2 to 4 months after combining cryotherapy with TCM soaking therapy. Lessons: Our findings suggest that relying solely on cryotherapy is insufficient for effectively treating plantar warts. The key to successful treatment lies in inhibiting wart proliferation and continuously thinning them, which can be achieved through soaking in TCM. This study demonstrates the potential of combining cryotherapy with TCM soaking as a novel and effective therapeutic approach for treating multiple and giant plantar warts.