Depending upon the body's own ability to get rid of warts, a researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are analysing and testing the needs. In a previous trial, they showed how a single injection got rid of warts in 70 per cent of participants. The new treatment is a form of immunotherapy - that is, it stimulates the body to fight and destroy warts using its own defences.
Warts are caused by a viral infection. Sometimes they go away by themselves without treatment but they may be extremely persistent. Standard treatments, by freezing, cutting and corrosive chemicals, are painful, tedious and not very successful. The immunotherapy involves injecting skin antigens - molecules which will stimulate the immune system - and represents a completely new approach to wart treatment. The researchers are now recruiting volunteers for a larger trial which, if successful, will lead to its eventual licensing and widespread availability.
