Glycolic acid 15% plus salicylic acid 2%: a new therapeutic pearl for facial flat warts

Abstract

Background: Facial flat warts are a contagious viral disease that can cause disturbing cosmetic problems. Topical glycolic acid has been reported to be effective in dermatological treatment depending on the exfoliant capacity, but has not often been reported to be effective in the treatment of facial flat warts.

Objective: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glycolic acid 15% topical gel plus salicylic acid 2% in the treatment of recalcitrant facial flat warts.

Methods: A total of 20 consecutive patients 7 to 16 years of age with recalcitrant facial flat warts were enrolled in this study. Patients having warts by the eye and lip regions were excluded from the study. A fine layer of face gel was applied to the treatment area once daily. Most of the participants had tried different treatments with no success. Assessments for the response and the occurrence of side effects were performed every two weeks at Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Results: All the patients were clinically cured within eight weeks. Seven patients cleared in four weeks, and 13 patients cleared in eight weeks. No noticeable adverse events were related to the skin.

Conclusion: Topical gel of glycolic acid 15% plus salicylic acid 2% is safe and effective when applied to facial flat warts once daily until clearance and may be considered as first-line treatment.

Figures

Figures 1A, IB, and 1C

(A) A 15-year-old girl with facial flat warts (mainly on her chin); (B) substantial improvement three weeks after treatment; (C) facial flat warts seven weeks after treatment.

Figures 1A, IB, and 1C

(A) A 15-year-old girl with facial flat warts (mainly on her chin); (B) substantial improvement three weeks after treatment; (C) facial flat warts seven weeks after treatment.

Figures 1A, IB, and 1C

(A) A 15-year-old girl with facial flat warts (mainly on her chin); (B) substantial improvement three weeks after treatment; (C) facial flat warts seven weeks after treatment.

Figures 2A and 2B

(A, arrow) A 17-year-old boy who had flat warts for six months; (B, arrow) complete clearance after treatment with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid gel.

Figures 2A and 2B

(A, arrow) A 17-year-old boy who had flat warts for six months; (B, arrow) complete clearance after treatment with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid gel.

Figures 3A and 3B

(A) An 8-year-old boy with facial flat warts on his forehead for three months; (B) clearance of sunspots and flat warts two months after treatment.

Figures 3A and 3B

(A) An 8-year-old boy with facial flat warts on his forehead for three months; (B) clearance of sunspots and flat warts two months after treatment.

Figures 4A and 4B

(A) Distinct inflammation at the sites of application after two weeks of treatment with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid gel. Flat warts are visible next to the inflammation; (B) the plane warts resolved completely after local treatment with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid gel once daily for eight weeks.

Figures 4A and 4B

(A) Distinct inflammation at the sites of application after two weeks of treatment with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid gel. Flat warts are visible next to the inflammation; (B) the plane warts resolved completely after local treatment with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid gel once daily for eight weeks.