Intralesional Bleomycin for Warts

Abstract

Background: The treatment of warts is challenging with regards to both tolerability and efficacy. Objective: Ascertain the efficacy, tolerability, and patient satisfaction of intralesional bleomycin in the treatment of warts. Methods: Retrospective chart review followed by telephone interviews with patients from university-based dermatology referral centers. Results: Seventy-four percent (34/46) of patients had complete resolution (CR) of all warts. Of 34 patients who experienced CR, an average of 1.7 treatments were required. Pain experienced during the procedure and recovery, irrespective of outcome, was rated 5.8 out of 10 (range, 1-10; SD, 2.72; SEM, 0.40). Approximately 70% of patients had pain that lasted less than 2 days after treatment. Seventy-eight percent (36/46) of patients in the study were satisfied with treatment and would recommend it to others. Conclusion: Patients felt bleomycin to be an effective treatment modality for warts, offering high rates of CR in lesions resistant to more traditional therapies.