Plantar verrucae and HIV infection

Abstract

No single treatment of plantar verrucae has proven to be effective in all situations, which represents a greater challenge when treating patients infected with HIV. In this patient population, plantar verrucae appear to be more aggressive, and recurrence is frequently observed. Mosaic-type plantar verrucae, which are usually more resistant to treatment, are common in this population. Factors including the patient's general health, number of warts, location of warts, effect of lesions on daily activities, and sensitivity should be carefully analyzed before deciding on a treatment option. Among the many treatment modalities available for plantar verrucae, three frequently are used by podiatrists for patients infected with HIV: Histofreezer cryotherapy, bleomycin sulfate intralesional injections, and surgical intervention by curettage. These three modalities are recommended; however, all approaches described in this article should be kept as viable options. The patient population infected with HIV represents a unique group of patients, and choices in treatments for these patients should be made by taking into account all ramifications of HIV infection.