Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser for the treatment of uncomplicated and recalcitrant warts.
Design: Observational study.
Patients: A total of 142 patients with 703 recalcitrant and 25 previously untreated warts consecutively referred to two tertiary care laser centers from July 1993 through January 1994.
Intervention: Photocoagulation with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser.
Main outcome measures: Complete resolution of treated warts after a follow-up ranging from 3 to 9 months.
Results: The overall response rates were 99% for body, limb, and anogenital warts; 95% for hand warts; 84% for plantar warts; and 83% for periungual warts. Side effects were limited and infrequent.
Conclusion: Pulsed dye laser therapy is a highly effective and safe method used to selectively destroy warts without damaging the surrounding skin.