Physicians need more evidence on treatments of warts.(Letters to the Editor)

Publication: American Family Physician

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COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

TO THE EDITOR: The recent article, "Molluscum Contagiosum and Warts," (1) is a praiseworthy attempt to update family physicians on the current treatment options for this commonly encountered problem. However, this paper does not guide physicians on which treatment to choose based on good evidence.

It should be made clear that the methodologic quality of research on various local treatments is mediocre at best. According to the updated systematic review (2,3) on local treatments for cutaneous warts in healthy people, there is only good evidence for the therapeutic efficacy and safety of simple topical salicylic acid. Little evidence exists for the efficacy of the other choices of treatment that were mentioned in the article.1 We, as physicians, have no convincing evidence that cryotherapy is any more effective than simple topical treatments.

Kai Ming...

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