From the Guidelines
Plantar warts in children can be effectively treated with salicylic acid (15-40%) topical paints or ointments, or cryotherapy, gentle, fortnightly for 3-4 months, as these methods have shown to be effective with relatively low risk of side effects. When considering treatment options for plantar warts in children, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and discomfort associated with each method 1. Some key points to consider include:
- The use of salicylic acid preparations, which can be applied daily for 12 weeks, with dead skin removed between applications, to help stimulate the immune system and remove infected tissue 1.
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, administered by a healthcare provider every 2-3 weeks for 3-4 sessions, which can be effective but may be painful and less tolerated by younger children 1.
- Other treatments, such as dithranol, 5-FU, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hyperthermia, laser, PDT, podophyllotoxin, and topical immunotherapy, may be considered for persistent warts, but their use should be approached with caution due to potential side effects 1. It's also important to note that plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) entering through breaks in the skin, and treatment should aim at stimulating the immune system to recognize and clear the infection while removing infected tissue 1. Ultimately, the choice of treatment should be individualized based on the child's age, tolerance for pain, and the specific characteristics of the wart, with the goal of minimizing discomfort and promoting effective clearance of the infection 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For Dermatologic Use: Salicylic Acid 6% is a topical aid in the removal of excessive keratin in hyperkeratotic skin disorders including verrucae, and the various ichthyoses (vulgaris, sex-linked and lamellar), keratosis palmaris and plantaris keratosis pilaris, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and psoriasis (including body, scalp, palms and soles). For Podiatric Use: Salicylic Acid 6% is a topical aid in the removal of excessive keratin on dorsal and plantar hyperkeratotic lesions. Topical preparations of 6% salicylic acid have been reported to be useful adjunctive therapy for verrucae plantares.
The treatment options for plantar warts in children include topical salicylic acid 6% as an aid in removal of excessive keratin on plantar hyperkeratotic lesions, and it has been reported to be useful as an adjunctive therapy for verrucae plantares 2.
- Application method: Apply thoroughly to the affected area, cover at night, and wash off in the morning 2.
- Precautions: Avoid excessive repeated application to prevent local intolerance and systemic adverse effects. Note that the provided information does not explicitly state the treatment is for children, but it does provide information on the treatment of plantar warts.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Plantar Warts in Children
- Salicylic acid-lactic acid combination: This treatment method has been shown to be safe, painless, and effective for plantar warts in children 3.
- Salicylic acid-podophyllin-cantharidin product: A study found this treatment to be effective in 81 cases out of 100 children with plantar warts 4.
- Cryotherapy: While cryotherapy has been compared to salicylic acid for the treatment of plantar warts, the results have been mixed, with some studies showing no significant difference in effectiveness between the two treatments 5, 6.
- Cantharidin-podophyllotoxin-salicylic acid: A randomized prospective study found this treatment to be more effective than cryotherapy in the treatment of plantar warts 7.
Comparison of Treatment Options
- A study comparing salicylic acid and cryotherapy found no significant difference in the proportions of participants with complete clearance of all plantar warts at 12 weeks 5.
- Another study found that cryotherapy was not more effective than topical salicylic acid application for plantar warts 6.
- However, a study comparing cantharidin-podophyllotoxin-salicylic acid and cryotherapy found the former to be more effective in the treatment of plantar warts 7.