From the Guidelines
Actikerall is not the most effective treatment for warts, and its use should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the type and location of the warts, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. Actikerall contains fluorouracil and salicylic acid, which can be effective for treating some types of warts, particularly plantar warts, by combining the keratolytic effect of salicylic acid with fluorouracil's antimetabolite properties that interfere with DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells 1. However, the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts 2014 recommend salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and imiquimod as first-line treatments for hand warts, with Actikerall not being specifically mentioned as a recommended treatment option 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of Actikerall for warts include:
- The type and location of the warts: Actikerall may be more effective for plantar warts, but its efficacy for other types of warts is less clear.
- The patient's overall health and preferences: Patients with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications may need to avoid Actikerall or use it with caution.
- The potential side effects of Actikerall: Local skin reactions, including redness, irritation, and peeling, are common with Actikerall use.
- The availability of alternative treatments: Other treatments, such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and imiquimod, may be more effective or have a better safety profile for certain patients.
In terms of treatment duration, Actikerall typically requires daily application for up to 12 weeks, while other treatments like imiquimod may be applied 3 times weekly for up to 16 weeks 1. Ultimately, the choice between Actikerall and other treatments should be made in consultation with a dermatologist, taking into account the individual patient's needs and circumstances.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Actikerall for Warts
- Actikerall, also known as imiquimod, is a topical cream used to treat various types of warts, including genital warts and common warts.
- According to a study published in 2000 2, imiquimod 5% cream was effective in treating common cutaneous warts and molluscum contagiosum, with 56% of patients achieving total clearance or a > 50% reduction in wart size.
- Another study from 2016 3 compared the effectiveness of imiquimod 5% cream combined with a keratolytic lotion to cryotherapy in treating cutaneous warts in children, and found that imiquimod 5% cream was equally effective and more effective than cryotherapy in plantar warts.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- A study from 2025 4 found that podofilox 0.5% solution was the most effective patient-administered therapy for genital warts, while carbon dioxide laser therapy, surgery, and electrosurgery were the most effective for wart removal at the end of treatment.
- Another study from 2012 5 compared the effectiveness of topical 80% trichloroacetic acid with 35% trichloroacetic acid in treating common warts, and found that the higher concentration of trichloroacetic acid was more effective.
- A study from 2009 6 found that 5% 5-fluorouracil cream was a safe and effective treatment for common warts in children, with 88% of treated warts improving after 6 weeks of treatment.