Potassium Hydroxide Solution for the Treatment of Cutaneous and Anogenital Warts: A Narrative Review
4 affiliations
- 1Section of Dermatology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area, University Aldo Moro of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 1, 70124 Bari, Italy
- 2Istituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale (INPS), Lungomare Nazario Sauro, 41, 70124 Bari, Italy
- 3Dermatology Private Practice Barletta, 76121 Barletta-Andria-Trani, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- 4Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Abstract
Background: Multiple options exist for the treatment of viral warts, but there is not yet a treatment capable of inducing a complete sustained response in all cases. The aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KOH solution in cutaneous and anogenital warts. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase electronic databases and focusing on articles published in English that described the effects of monotherapy with KOH solution on different wart types. Results: We selected 24 studies involving 2083 patients, of whom 1423 were recruited in KOH groups. The heterogeneity in study designs, patient populations, outcomes and intervention characteristics (e.g., concentration of KOH, frequency of application, and treatment duration) precluded the possibilities of performing a meta-analysis and making direct comparisons among the studies. In many studies, there were small patient samples and short follow-up periods. However, despite such limitations, the available results regarding the use of KOH solution for warts seem to show efficacy rates comparable to those of established therapies, including TCA solution and cryotherapy. Side effects were generally described as mild and transient. KOH-related adverse events include burning sensation, erythema, dyspigmentation, and superficial erosions. Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest the potential clinical utility of KOH solution for the treatment of warts, although more data are needed to obtain definite conclusions and to optimize treatment protocols. Further research should include high-quality studies with extended follow-up periods and standardized outcome measures.
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BibTeX
@article{sbarra2026potassium,
title = {{Potassium Hydroxide Solution for the Treatment of Cutaneous and Anogenital Warts: A Narrative Review}},
author = {Giorgia Sbarra and Paolo Antonio Danza and Nicoletta Cassano and Gino Antonio Vena and Alexandre Raphael Meduri and Francesca Ambrogio and Giuseppe Demichele and Aurora De Marco and Domenico Bonamonte and Antonio Facciorusso and Giulia Ciccarese and Caterina Foti},
journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3390/jcm15218592},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/21/8592},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Potassium Hydroxide Solution for the Treatment of Cutaneous and Anogenital Warts: A Narrative Review
AU - Giorgia Sbarra
AU - Paolo Antonio Danza
AU - Nicoletta Cassano
AU - Gino Antonio Vena
AU - Alexandre Raphael Meduri
AU - Francesca Ambrogio
AU - Giuseppe Demichele
AU - Aurora De Marco
AU - Domenico Bonamonte
AU - Antonio Facciorusso
AU - Giulia Ciccarese
AU - Caterina Foti
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/04
JO - Journal of Clinical Medicine
DO - 10.3390/jcm15218592
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/21/8592
AB - Background: Multiple options exist for the treatment of viral warts, but there is not yet a treatment capable of inducing a complete sustained response in all cases. The aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KOH solution in cutaneous and anogenital warts. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase electronic databases and focusing on articles published in English that described the effects of monotherapy with KOH solution on different wart types. Results: We selected 24 studies involving 2083 patients, of whom 1423 were recruited in KOH groups. The heterogeneity in study designs, patient populations, outcomes and intervention characteristics (e.g., concentration of KOH, frequency of application, and treatment duration) precluded the possibilities of performing a meta-analysis and making direct comparisons among the studies. In many studies, there were small patient samples and short follow-up periods. However, despite such limitations, the available results regarding the use of KOH solution for warts seem to show efficacy rates comparable to those of established therapies, including TCA solution and cryotherapy. Side effects were generally described as mild and transient. KOH-related adverse events include burning sensation, erythema, dyspigmentation, and superficial erosions. Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest the potential clinical utility of KOH solution for the treatment of warts, although more data are needed to obtain definite conclusions and to optimize treatment protocols. Further research should include high-quality studies with extended follow-up periods and standardized outcome measures.
SN - 2077-0383
ER -