An interesting response to diphencyprone (DPC) sensitization on facial warts: review of DPC treatment for viral warts

BACKGROUND: This paper highlights the sometimes impressive effect of diphencyprone (DPC) sensitization on warts resistant to other treatments and is interesting in view of the fact that all the warts apparently responded, despite only a very small area being treated. METHODS: A 31-year-old woman with a 5-year history of widespread facial plane warts that had proved resistant to repeated treatments with cryotherapy and topical preparations was sensitized to diphencyprone. RESULTS: After application of DPC to the warts within only a 1-cm(2) area of the face, all the facial warts became inflamed and resolved, including those not actively treated. Complete clearance occurred with no recurrence. CONCLUSION: DPC appears to be a valuable, safe and well-tolerated treatment for resistant viral warts and can be considered as a first line treatment. We review its use and action in this paper.