Long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser as a therapeutic modality in untreated and recalcitrant warts

Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the treatment efficacy of long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in untreated and recalcitrant cases of verruca vulgaris. Material and Methods: Nd:YAG long-pulsed laser (1064 nm) was used as a treatment modality in 40 patients of verruca vulgaris. Four sessions of laser treatment were done 2 weeks apart. Patients were given treatment for 2 months and monthly follow-up for the next 3 months after treatment to note relapse. Results: Out of 40 patients in the study, varied clinical presentations were included – perioral warts, facial, plantar, palmar, periungual, and multiple warts on hands and feet. Response to treatment was recorded as the number of sessions required to clear the lesion, which varied depending on the site of the lesion and type of clinical presentation. Warts on the face and neck were cleared in a single session, whereas palmoplantar lesions required 3–4 sessions. Out of the 40 patients, 29 showed complete clearance without any relapse after 3 months of follow-up, whereas nine patients showed partial clearance, and two were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is an effective modality in clearing verruca vulgaris and preventing relapse as compared to conventional treatments.