
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Plantar wart cost-effectiveness of therapy
Introduction
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
A 2006 study assessed the effects of different local treatments for cutaneous, non-genital warts in healthy people. The study reviewed 60 randomized clinical trials dating up to March 2005. The main findings were:
- Overall there is a lack of evidence (many trials were excluded because of poor methodology and reporting).
- The average cure rate using a placebo was 27% after an average period of 15 weeks.
- The best treatments are those containing salicylic acid. They are clearly better than placebo.
- There is surprisingly little evidence for the absolute efficacy of cryotherapy.
- Two trials comparing salicylic acid and cryotherapy showed no significant difference in efficacy.
- One trial comparing salicylic acid and duct tape occlusion therapy showed no significant difference in efficacy.
- Evidence for the efficacy of the remaining treatments was limited.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
