Flashlamp pulsed dye laser (585 nm) - Treatment of resistant verrucae

The treatment of recalcitrant plantar verrucae has represented challenging clinical problems for pediatric physicians. A procedure described by Borovoy et al(1) studying 46 patients initially indicated a success rate of 76.1%. A review of 200 patients who have been treated with refined treatment protocols and modalities is presented, with an overall success rate of 79.9%. The Candella SPTL(R)(1) and 1B have been used in the study. These lasers produce a full 450-mu sec pulse at 585 nm wave length. Hand pieces ranging from 2 mm to 7 mm were used. The energy density (fluence) used ranged from 6 to 9 J/cm(2). Discussion will be presented including treatment protocol, modalities, comparisons with other forms of treatment, and overall success rates.