Topical zinc sulphate solution for treatment of viral warts

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of topical zinc sulphate solution in the treatment of plane and common warts.

METHODS: This study consisted of a pilot and double blinded clinical trails. This was carried out in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghadad, Iraq during the period from December 2002 to October 2003. Ten patients with plane warts were enrolled in pilot-clinical trial, all patients used 10% w/v zinc sulphate solution topically, 3 times daily for 4 weeks while in the double blind trial, 90 patients were included (50 patients with common warts, 40 patients with plane warts). Patients were randomly used either topical 10% or 5% zinc sulphate solution or distilled water as a control topical therapy 3 times daily for 4 weeks. Full history and close clinical examination were performed to all patients before treatment.

RESULTS: In the pilot trial, the full response for plane warts was 80%, while the full response for patients with plane warts in double blinded trial was 85.7%, 42.8% and 10% for those using 10% and 5% zinc sulphate solutions and distilled water subsequently. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.008). The full response for patients with common warts were 11%, 5% and 0% for those who used 10% and 5% zinc sulphate solutions and distilled water respectively, the difference was statistically insignificant. No recurrence of warts occurred during follow up that ranged from 2-6 months after therapy.

CONCLUSION: Topical 10% zinc sulphate solution was a new effective and safe modality for treatment of plane warts.