Evaluation of Daylight Photodynamic Therapy in Plane Warts

Abstract

Plane wart is a chronic benign outgrowth of the skin caused by double stranded DNA virus that has more than 100 strains. It is most often caused by HPV types 2, 3, 10, 27, 28, 38, 41 and 49. Infection via environment is more likely to occur if the skin is macerated and it spreads by contact either directly from person to person or indirectly via fomites left on the surface as well as autoinoculation. The incubation period is not well known and infection could be subclinical or latent. Plane warts are commonly found in children and young adult. They appear as multiple papules with a smooth surface and irregular contour. They are characterized as flat or slightly elevated, smooth, flesh-colored papules that have minimal scales and ranged from 2-4 mm. Diagnosis of plane wart is straightforward if typical clinical features are present. Otherwise, methods of detection of HPV include cytology and histology (for virus lesion), immuno-histochemical staining for viral capsid antigen and PCR assay for HPV-DNA.