A case of verruca plana juvenile responding to blue light phototherapy

INTRODUCTION Verruca plana, especially on the face, is a disease that can cause cosmetic and social concerns, leading patients to seek therapy. Commonly used treatment options include cryotherapy, topical retinoids, imiquimod, salicylic acid, topical immunotherapies, photodynamic therapy, etc. However, these therapeutic options may have various side effects, such as hyperpigmentation, edema, scarring, itching, and pain.[1,2] Therefore, there is a need for new effective treatment options with better cosmetic results. CASE REPORT A 23-year-old woman presented to our clinic with a 1-year history of multiple verruca, increasing in number over time. Dermatologic examination revealed skin-colored papules with flat tops on the backs of the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and face [Figure 1]. She was unresponsive to other treatments. Thus, we applied solely blue light phototherapy with a wavelength of 420 nm and a distance of approximately 15 cm to the area [Figure 2]. A total of 10 sessions were applied twice weekly, each session lasting 20 min. No side effects were observed. After 10 sessions, all lesions were completely regressed [Figure 3]. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient before the application.Figure 1: Grouped skin-colored flat papules on the left jawline (black arrow)Figure 2: Blue light phototherapyFigure 3: Several papulopustular acne vulgaris lesions in the malar region, with regression of previously existing papules on the left jawlineDISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Various treatments are used for verruca plana in clinical practice. However, no treatment has been proven to be 100% effective.[3,4] Therefore, new treatment modalities are being sought that will provide effective and cosmetically better results. The mechanisms of action of blue light include a decrease in keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation, as well as the ability to cause regression of human papilloma virus by regulating T-cell functions and cytokine release through chromophores that can be found in its own structure.[5] In our case, the regression of the existing lesions in a short period of time (5 weeks), obtaining a good cosmetic result, having an easy application method without the need for any photosensitizer, being inexpensive, and having a low risk of side effects support the consideration of blue light as a possible treatment option for verruca plana. Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.