Verruca vulgaris: novel treatment with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND Verruca Vulgaris (VV) is common benign neoplasm. However, it can present a therapeutic challenge. Previous studies have suggested that the Nd-YAG laser may be beneficial in the management of warts. OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness and safety of a novel 100 microsecond pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of VV. METHOD A total of 25 adult subjects with a total of 63 hand verrucae were enrolled in the clinical trial to receive treatment with a low-energy (200 mjoule) 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (PinPointe, NuvoLase, Inc.). Each subject was eligible for 3 treatments administered at monthly intervals. All verrucae were measured before each treatment session and at 6 months after the final treatment. RESULTS A complete response was seen in 19 subjects and in 41 verrucae. A complete response was defined as complete absence of verruca with the presence of normal skin dermatoglyphics. All other lesions showed at least partial response. A partial response was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in verruca size. No adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION Low-energy 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser treatment may be a promising, safe, and effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of VV. However, more treatment sessions may be needed for complete clearance and increased efficacy in some subjects.