Effect of Nitric Acid on Cutaneous and Plantar warts–a case report

Abstract

A 33-year-male with a history of plantar and cutaneous warts for six months was treated with topical salicylic acid preparation, without any improvement. He was accidentally exposed to nitric acid while working. He observed that nitric acid had a better healing index for his cutaneous warts. He then used nitric acid (10%) to treat the plantar warts for two weeks. Nitric acid showed beneficial effects on cutaneous and plantar warts, but its clinical efficacy and mechanism of action in this context remains unknown. Nitric acid was used for the treatment of skin lesions since the last century. Recent clinical studies also showed mild acids such as citric and nitric acids are beneficial against common warts.

Keywords: Common warts; Human Papillomavirus; Nitric acid; Topical