Role of oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of recalcitrant common warts

Objective: To determine the efficacy of oral Zinc Sulphate in treatment of recalcitrant common
warts.
Methods: In this randomized control trial 60 patients with recalcitrant warts were randomly allocated into two groups named Group A (Oral Zinc sulphate) and Group B (Placebo). Group A30 patients were given oral zinc sulphate in a dose of 10mg/kg to a maximum dose of 600mg/day for two months. Group B 30 patients received glucose tablets as placebo.
Results: Out of 30 patients in oral zinc sulphate group, 20 (66.7%) patients had complete eradication or at least 75% reduction in number of warts noted at presentation. On the other hand in the placebo group only 2 (6.8%) patients had > 75% reduction in number of warts.In oral zinc sulphate group it was noted that only 3 (10.0%) patients had less than 50% reduction in no. of warts. 7 (23.3%) had 50-75% efficacy and majority 20 (66.7%) patients had > 75 % reduction in number of warts. In contrast, in the placebo group 23 patients (76.6%) had less than 50% reduction, followed by 5 (16.6%) patients having 50- 75% reduction and only 2 (6.8%) patients had > 75% reduction in no. of warts
Conclusion: Warts are common viral infection of skin caused by Human Papilloma Virus. Despite various treatment options available at times warts become recalcitrant. Oral zinc sulphate is an effective treatment option for recalcitrant multiple viral warts. Being oral therapy it is easy to take with less frequent follow up visits required.