Treatment of recalcitrant verrucae vulgares with Nd:YAG laser hyperthermia (Regensburg's technique)-preliminary results in 31 cases

Abstract

The general principle in the treatment of cutaneous diseases with heat is based on the fact that diseased tissue is more sensitive to the effects of elevated temperature than normal tissue and thus is less able to recover after heat exposure. Different kinds of energy sources have been used to produce local hyperthermia, for example radiofrequency or microwave electromagnetic energy and ultrasonic energy). We report 31 patients with recalcitrant verrucae vulgares who were treated with Nd:YAG laser hyperthermia. Laser energy was applied up to three times with an interval of 3 weeks. The laser output was 10 W, spot size 8 mm and irradiation time up to 20 s which was repeated. With these settings it was possible to reach a surface temperature of about 40°C for 30 s. After hyperthermia, no side-effects such as coagulation, blisters or crusts were observed. An excellent response was achieved in 77% of the patients, but in 23% the method failed. No recurrence was seen during a follow-up period of up to 9 months. This method could be used in the treatment of finger, periungual and hand warts as well as warts on other parts of the body including the plantar surfaces.

Key Words:

• Laserthermia
• Warts
• Heating technique