INTRODUCTION
Verruca vulgaris, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the epidermis, is a highly prevalent dermatologic condition, particularly in children and young adults.1 Clonal proliferation of infected keratinocytes leads to the epidermal thickening and hyperkeratinization characteristic of cutaneous warts. Hundreds of genotypically distinct strains have been identified. HPV types 16 and 18 are highly associated with cervical and penile squamous cell carcinoma.2 HPV types 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 27 are associated with the majority of common warts with no cancer risk, with infections typically transmitted via skin-to-skin or environmental contact. Although common warts are medically benign, commonly afflicted areas, such as the extremities, are visibly exposed, driving patients to seek treatment.
Investigations into the effects on quality of life (QoL) have focused on anogenital warts and common warts in the pediatric population.1,3,4 However, patients can first experience or re-experience common warts in adulthood, and the associated psychosocial burden is likely underestimated. Visible skin burden and the stigma of a contagious condition may affect self-esteem, social interactions, and overall emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, the treatment options can be burdensome and painful, leading to frustration with repeated treatments and recurrences. Outcomes from various options vary significantly among patients due to the site of involvement or immune status.5 Patient satisfaction with common wart treatments, another plausible variable influencing QoL, has not been explored. This survey study aimed to assess the reported effects on QoL in adults diagnosed with and treated for verruca vulgaris and their satisfaction with the different therapeutic modalities.
Investigations into the effects on quality of life (QoL) have focused on anogenital warts and common warts in the pediatric population.1,3,4 However, patients can first experience or re-experience common warts in adulthood, and the associated psychosocial burden is likely underestimated. Visible skin burden and the stigma of a contagious condition may affect self-esteem, social interactions, and overall emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, the treatment options can be burdensome and painful, leading to frustration with repeated treatments and recurrences. Outcomes from various options vary significantly among patients due to the site of involvement or immune status.5 Patient satisfaction with common wart treatments, another plausible variable influencing QoL, has not been explored. This survey study aimed to assess the reported effects on QoL in adults diagnosed with and treated for verruca vulgaris and their satisfaction with the different therapeutic modalities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We sampled patients at least 18 years of age who were diagnosed with and treated for verruca between 2015 and 2018 at the Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) of George Washington University Hospital for this single-center, cross-sectional survey. This study was IRB-approved with informed consent (NCR202169). Basic demographic information was collected, including patient sex, age range (18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-64, 65+), and ethnicity (Table 1). The survey focused on effects on QoL stemming from symptoms (Table 2) and on patient satisfaction with attempted treatment options (Table 3). Each patient rated the perceived impact of the wart(s) on respective QoL measures between 1-100, with 1 representing “minimal impact†and 100 representing “severe impact.†These
