An assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of apple cider vinegar vs. salicylic-lactic acid solution in the treatment of common warts (verruca vulgaris)

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Common warts are among the top causes of dermatologic consultations. Apple cider vinegar is an old time home remedy for various ailments including common warts.Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of apple cider vinegar with salicylic-lactic acid solution in the treatment of common warts.METHODS: Twenty-seven patients clinically diagnosed with a total of 88 common warts were assigned randomly for topical application of either apple cider vinegar or salicylic-lactic acid solution which were applied and occluded for 3 consecutive days. Clinical evaluation and curettage were conducted on day 3 and every 3 days thereafter until complete resolution of the lesion for a maximum of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measured in this study was complete clinical cure of the treated wart. One week post-treatment evaluation assessment was also graded as clinical cure, clinical improvement, clinical failure and side effect failure. Adverse events were monitored.RESULTS: In the ACV group, 33 out of 44 (75%) common warts were completely cleared while in the salicylic-lactic acid (SA/LA) group, 26 common warts were completely cleared (59%). There was no significant difference in the cure rates between the two groups (p=0.112, chi-square test). There was no significant difference in the mean time to cure between the two groups, 11 days and 12 days in the apple cider vinegar and salicylic-lactic acid groups, respectively (p=0.090; log rank test). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p=0.676; Fisher's exact test).CONCLUSION: Apple cider vinegar is a safe and effective topical treatment that was comparable to salicylic-lactic acid solution in the treatment of common warts.