Beyond the Clinic: Supplements That Show Promise in Wart Treatment
Warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are one of the most common dermatological issues we see at Pure Dermatology. They are also one of the most stubborn and challenging conditions to treat. While we use a variety of treatments to tackle warts such as cryotherapy, immunotherapy, salicylic acid, and laser therapy, there may also be a role for oral supplementation. In the world of warts, anything we can do to improve the odds of ridding our patients of these annoying infections is worth it. Here, we’ll talk about some of the oral supplements we sometimes recommend to patients and set realistic expectations on their effectiveness.
Zinc
Zinc, an essential trace element crucial for immune function, is a common supplement used for its role in wart treatment. Zinc is believed to help enhance T-cell function, improving the immune systems antiviral’s capabilities.
The Data:
• In one study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2 months of treatment with oral zinc sulfate led to clearance in 78% of patients versus 13% in placebo. Both treatment groups were low in zinc when initiating supplementation.
• Unfortunately, in another study, a double-blind randomized controlled trial showed no difference between oral zinc sulfate and placebo.
The Bottom Line:
There seems to be conflicting evidence on whether oral zinc helps. Attempting zinc supplementation is a worthwhile endeavor for recalcitrant warts.
Cimetidine
Cimetidine is another commonly recommended oral treatment for warts. It’s an H2-receptor antagonist, most often used to treat gastric ulcers and acid reflux. Cimetidine's potential efficacy is thought to be due to its immunomodulatory effects, possibly enhancing the body’s immune response against HPV.
The Data:
• In one study, 20 patients received cimetidine. There was complete resolution or dramatic improvement in 84% of patients.
• Unfortunately, in another double-blind randomized controlled trial with 70 patients, cimetidine was no better than placebo.
The Bottom Line:
Again, like zinc, there seems to be conflicting evidence on whether cimetidine can help. I often recommend patients try it but combine supplementation with other treatment options.
Other Supplements
Nutraceuticals
In one study, 172 patients were either treated with conventional therapy or conventional therapy with a nutraceutical containing methionine, echinacea, zinc, and prebiotics combined with conventional therapy. Those who supplemented with the nutraceutical demonstrated 86% clearance compared to 55% of patients who did not supplement.
Conclusion
Conventional treatments are undoubtedly the gold standard for wart management. This may include liquid nitrogen, immunotherapy, or salicylic acid. However, for those who are dealing with recalcitrant warts or are interested in supplementation as a way of potentially improving your immune response to warts, there is conflicting evidence on the options available. Cimetidine and zinc are the two most recommended supplements but have shown conflicting data.
If you are dealing with recalcitrant warts, consult with one of our board-certified dermatologists. At Pure Dermatology, we’ll use the best combination of treatment options available to help cure your warts.
