Expert reviews options for refractory pediatric warts
EXPERT ANALYSIS FROM THE CARIBBEAN DERMATOLOGY SYMPOSIUM
“Sometimes with these refractory warts, we resort to off-label therapies compounded for home use,” he added. Such therapies may include salicylic acid with 5-fluorouracil, or topical cidofovir 2%-3%. These compounds can be costly depending upon the patient’s insurance coverage.
Dr. Ghali concluded by presenting his top three rules to consider when treating warts, regardless of treatment: There is no cure for warts, no therapy is uniformly effective, and the chosen therapy should take into account the family’s costs, according to their insurance coverage.
Since the landscape of insurance coverage has changed over recent years, the code most often used to treat warts in the office, often applies to the patient’s or family’s deductible. “It’s important to discuss this with the family beforehand, especially since treatment for warts may require several visits,” he said.
Dr. Ghali disclosed several financial relationships with the pharmaceutical industry including Astellas, Galderma, and Valeant, among others.
Global Academy and this news organization are owned by the same parent company.
On Twitter @whitneymcknight
