Salicylic Acid Solution Versus Tretinoin 0.05% Cream for Treating Plane Warts

What this study involves

The registry does not currently label this study as recruiting. Ask about its status before planning a screening visit.

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Age range

12 years - 40 years

Sex eligible

All sexes

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

Participants

200 Estimated

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of topical salicylic acid solution (15-17%) and tretinoin 0.05% cream in treating plane warts. A total of 200 patients aged 12-40 years will be recruited from the Dermatology Department of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Abbottabad, and randomly divided into two treatment groups. Both treatments will be applied once daily at night for 12 weeks, with follow-up visits at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome will be complete clearance of all warts at 12 weeks, while adverse effects such as redness, scaling, burning, itching, and pigmentation changes will also be assessed. The study aims to identify which treatment offers better efficacy and tolerability to support evidence-based treatment decisions for patients with plane warts.This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of topical salicylic acid solution (15-17%) and tretinoin 0.05% cream in treating plane warts. A total of 200 patients aged 12-40 years will be recruited from the Dermatology Department of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Abbottabad, and randomly divided into two treatment groups. Both treatments will be applied once daily at night for 12 weeks, with follow-up visits at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome will be complete clearance of all warts at 12 weeks, while adverse effects such as redness, scaling, burning, itching, and pigmentation changes will also be assessed. The study aims to identify which treatment offers better efficacy and tolerability to support evidence-based treatment decisions for patients with plane warts

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients of both genders
2. Age 12 to 40 years
3. Clinically diagnosed plane warts (≥5 lesions)
4. Warts present for at least 4 weeks
5. Treatment-naive or no treatment in last 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy or lactation (for females of childbearing age)
2. Known hypersensitivity to salicylic acid or tretinoin
3. Active facial dermatitis or eczema
4. Immunocompromised patients
5. Concurrent use of other wart treatments
6. Facial scarring that would interfere with assessment
7. Use of systemic retinoids in past 6 months

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment

Random assignment

Masking

No masking

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Secondary measures

Research locations (1)

The overall study status and a local site’s status can differ. Confirm that location’s availability before traveling.

1 locations

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor

Combined Military Hospital, Pakistan

Study start

2026-12 Estimated

Primary completion

2027-05 Estimated

Study completion

2027-07 Estimated

First posted

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Last updated

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts