from the Holiday 2002 issue
Warts are a very common viral infection of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Warts can cause not only physical but also emotional discomfort, especially if they are numerous. There are many treatments available, although there is no definitive cure. A new treatment option for warts takes advantage of the immune-related properties of a substance that has been around for many years. Candida antigen (yeast) is used to test immune status because people are very commonly exposed to it. Most people, when skin-tested with the substance via injection, develop a local skin response. Studies have shown that directly injecting warts with the Candida antigen can successfully clear not only the injected warts, but also distant ones. The theory is that by injection into the skin of one wart the patient may acquire human papillomavirus-directed immunity and thus the body is able to clear the other warts. Like other wart treatments, this one is not guaranteed to work and may take several treatments, which are usually several weeks apart. However, it is a nice option to pursue if you have not had success with or cannot tolerate other wart treatments.
If you are interested in this treatment option for warts, please call 713.796.9199 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
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