Treatment of Genital Warts by 30% Salicylic Acid Peel and Cautery Vs 5% Imiquimod Cream and Cautery in Shahid Jabar Dermatology and Venereology Center

Volume 15 , Issue 2 , December 2025 , Pages 121-133

Authors

Lana Mohammed 1 ; Ali Mozn Dhahir Elethawi 1

1 Department of Clinical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaiamni, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

DOI logo 10.17656/jsmc.10497

Keywords

Abstract

Background: Genital warts are the epidermal manifestation of human papillomavirus infection, associated with physical discomfort and psychosocial distress. Our study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between two combinations: Group A: 30% salicylic acid peel with cautery (SA peel + CA) Group B: 5% Imiquimod cream with cautery (IMQ+CA).

Methods: 70 patients were recruited in a single-center, open label, and parallel-group randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the treatment arm, assessments conducted at baseline and every two weeks for 12 weeks.

Results: 30% (SA + CA) obtained significantly and more rapid and consistent clearance rate. The clearance rate was markedly higher in the SA peel arm across all time points, reaching 94.3% by week 10, while the IMQ cream arm only reached 54.3% by week 12. Additionally, recurrence rates were significantly lower in the SA peel group (8.6%) than in the IMQ cream group (48.6%) (P < 0.001). In terms of side effects, the SA peel group reported milder and less frequent adverse events (25.7%), whereas the IMQ cream group experienced moderate to severe side effects in 77.1% of cases (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both treatments were effective, but 30% (SA peel +CA) demonstrated higher efficacy, faster clearance, lower recurrence rate, fewer and milder side effects, higher patient satisfaction, and greater quality of life improvement; therefore, this combination represents a promising, effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for genital warts

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  • First online21 December 2025
  • Published at21 December 2025

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