Hypericin Mediated Photodynamic Therapy (HY-PDT) versus Methylene Blue Mediated Photodynamic Therapy (MB-PDT) in Treatment of Common Warts: A Comparative Study

Abstract Background Many therapeutic modalities are available for the treatment of warts, but no single therapy is universally effective. Warts can resolve, recur, shrink, or grow despite therapy. Aim of the Study to compare between the efficacy and safety of topical hypericin (HY)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) and methylene blue (MB)-mediated PDT in the treatment of common warts. Patients and Methods The study included 40 patients subdivided into two groups (20 patients each). Group one (MB group) patients were treated with topical MB/IPL PDT. Group two (Hypericin group) patients were treated with topical HY/IPL PDT. Patients were assessed using digital photography and dermoscopic examinations. Results MB-mediated PDT group showed that there was significant difference regarding the decrease of size of warts before versus after MB-mediated PDT. HY- mediated PDT group showed that there was a significant difference regarding the decrease of size and number of warts before versus after HY-mediated PDT. There was better response with HY-mediated PDT compared to MB-mediated PDT without statistical significance. Conclusion Both HY and MB-mediated PDT are effective in clearing common warts. Hypericin is a promising photosensitizer alternative that has a potential efficacy for clearing wart by PDT.