Place in therapy
The role of dimethyl ether and propane in the treatment of warts is often utilized as an alternative first-line option. Although there exists a lack of comparison between the over-the-counter products to placebo, there are studies that present a comparison with salicylic acid, as well as different forms of cryotherapy such as liquid nitrogen. Strong studies suggest that dimethyl ether and propane compared to liquid nitrogen have similar efficacy and safety, which is also true in the comparison against salicylic acid. Furthermore, dimethyl ether and propane is quicker in resolving a wart than salicylic acid: 10 days to 6 weeks compared to up to 12 weeks for salicylic acid. It also has improved patient compliance, and is safe if used as directed. Therefore, either option can be tried initially, depending on patient preference.
The most promising evidence regarding dimethyl ether and propane use in viral wart treatment has been in patients who suffer from common and plantar warts, and not used in warts that are mosaic, and appear in groups closely and simultaneously.
References
1. Caballero Martínez F, Plaza Nohales C, Pérez Canal C, Lucena Martín MJ, Holgado Catalán M, Olivera Cañadas G. dermatological cryosurgery in primary care with dimethyl ether propane spray in comparison with liquid nitrogen. Aten Primaria. 1996;18(5):211-6.
2. Erkens AMJL, Kuijpers RJAM, Knottnerus JA. Treatment of verrucae vulgares in general practice- a randomized control trial on the effectiveness of liquid nitrogen and the histofreezer. J Dermatolog Treat. 1992;3(4):193-196.
3. Lawley LP, Mccall CO, Lawley TJ. Chapter 52. Eczema, psoriasis, cutaneous infections, acne, and other common skin disorders. Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 18th ed. New York: mcgraw-hill; 2012. http://www.accesspharmacy.com/content.aspx?aid=9098150. Accessed july 13, 2012.
4. Micromedex. [Internet] Professional monograph. [Updated April 12, 2012; cited on June 26, 2012]. Dimethyl ether. Available at http://www.thomsonhc.com./micromedex2/librarian/.
5. Nguyen NV, Burkhart CG. Cryosurgical treatment of warts: dimethyl ether and propane versus liquid nitrogen. J Drugs Dermatol;2001;10(10):1174-6.
.
The role of dimethyl ether and propane in the treatment of warts is often utilized as an alternative first-line option. Although there exists a lack of comparison between the over-the-counter products to placebo, there are studies that present a comparison with salicylic acid, as well as different forms of cryotherapy such as liquid nitrogen. Strong studies suggest that dimethyl ether and propane compared to liquid nitrogen have similar efficacy and safety, which is also true in the comparison against salicylic acid. Furthermore, dimethyl ether and propane is quicker in resolving a wart than salicylic acid: 10 days to 6 weeks compared to up to 12 weeks for salicylic acid. It also has improved patient compliance, and is safe if used as directed. Therefore, either option can be tried initially, depending on patient preference.
The most promising evidence regarding dimethyl ether and propane use in viral wart treatment has been in patients who suffer from common and plantar warts, and not used in warts that are mosaic, and appear in groups closely and simultaneously.
References
1. Caballero Martínez F, Plaza Nohales C, Pérez Canal C, Lucena Martín MJ, Holgado Catalán M, Olivera Cañadas G. dermatological cryosurgery in primary care with dimethyl ether propane spray in comparison with liquid nitrogen. Aten Primaria. 1996;18(5):211-6.
2. Erkens AMJL, Kuijpers RJAM, Knottnerus JA. Treatment of verrucae vulgares in general practice- a randomized control trial on the effectiveness of liquid nitrogen and the histofreezer. J Dermatolog Treat. 1992;3(4):193-196.
3. Lawley LP, Mccall CO, Lawley TJ. Chapter 52. Eczema, psoriasis, cutaneous infections, acne, and other common skin disorders. Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 18th ed. New York: mcgraw-hill; 2012. http://www.accesspharmacy.com/content.aspx?aid=9098150. Accessed july 13, 2012.
4. Micromedex. [Internet] Professional monograph. [Updated April 12, 2012; cited on June 26, 2012]. Dimethyl ether. Available at http://www.thomsonhc.com./micromedex2/librarian/.
5. Nguyen NV, Burkhart CG. Cryosurgical treatment of warts: dimethyl ether and propane versus liquid nitrogen. J Drugs Dermatol;2001;10(10):1174-6.
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