Clinical observation on the efficacy of 35% glycolic acid combined with recombinant human interferon alpha-2β cream for treating facial flat warts

[Objective] To evaluate the efficacy of 35% glycolic acid combined with recombinant human interferon α-2β ointment for treating facial flat warts. [Methods] A total of 71 patients with flat warts who visited the Dermatology Department of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were randomized into a treatment group (36 cases) and a control group (35 cases) using a random number table. The treatment group received 35% glycolic acid therapy once every two weeks and topical recombinant human interferon α-2β ointment (four times daily), while the control group received only the interferon ointment (four times daily). Treatment was discontinued upon complete lesion resolution, with a maximum treatment duration of 3 months. After the treatment, the regression of skin lesions, adverse reactions, and recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. [Results] Thirty-five patients completed the study in each group. The treatment group achieved a total effective rate of 77.14% (27/35, including 2 cured and 25 markedly improved cases), which was significantly higher than that of the control group, 42.86% (15/35, 1 cured and 14 improved) (χ2=8.57, P=0.003). After a 3-month follow-up, the recurrence rate in the treatment group (11.43%) was slightly lower than that in the control group (20.00%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.342). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group. [Conclusion] The combination of 35% glycolic acid and recombinant human interferon α-2β ointment is an effective treatment for facial flat warts, with few adverse reactions.