Comparative Study between the Efficacy of Intralesional Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma versus Topical Zink Oxide Paste 20% in the Treatment of Common Warts

Background: Cutaneous warts are benign epidermal proliferations caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). Zink (Zn) has been utilized in different preparations in the treatment of common warts (CWs) as oral Zn sulphate, intralesional 2% Zn sulphate, topical application of 10%, and 5% Zn sulfate (ZnSO₄) with different success rates. The platelet rich plasma (PRP) is being utilized in numerous and various dermatological indications as in alopecia, tissue regeneration, wound healing, scar revision, and skin rejuvenation.
Objective: To compare the efficacy of intralesional injection (ILI) of platelet rich plasma versus 20% topical Zn oxide (ZnO) paste in treatment of common viral warts.
Patients and Methods: This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) that was conducted over one year and included 100 patients with clinically evident, numerous CWs and were divided into two groups, group A comprised 50 patients treated with ILI of autologous PRP (APRP) and group B included 50 patients managed with 20% ZnO paste. The outcomes were assessed one month, two months and after six months from the last injection.
Results: After one month of treatment, Group A had a notably better outcome in terms of excellent responses to treatment. After six months of treatment there was a significant difference in the rate of complete cures where group A showed statistically significant higher rates of complete cure. The mean percentage of improvement for Group A was statistically significantly higher than in Group B (p value<0.001).
Conclusion: PRP was superior in efficacy to topically applied 20% ZnO paste in treatment of common viral warts.