Dry needling of a verrucae pedis and effectiveness of this intervention - Essay Example

etc., or total removal of the lesion/s by surgery (electrocautery, cryosurgery, complete surgical excision or treatment with lasers) (Patel, 2005, Merck). Persistence and recurrence has always been a nagging problem with Verrucae pedis. HPV virus has more than a 100 strains and is a difficult infection to control despite availability of vaccines incorporating the most prevalent strains. It has been noticed in a study that HPV 7 was the predominant genotype responsible for verrucae in male patients, particularly in the toe web areas (Sun et al, 2010).

Verrucae usually result after infection by the HPV virus through skin abrasions, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. They are primarily localized in the epidermal layer of the skin making them resistant to the action of host cellular immune responses (Merck). ‘They are sharply demarcated, rough, round or irregular, firm, and light gray, yellow, brown, or gray-black nodules 2 to 10 mm in diameter’ (Merck). Verrucae can be distinguished from corns and calluses from their tendency to be flattened by pressure and evidence of cornified epithelium surrounding the lesion.

They are usually tender making standing as well as walking difficult for the sufferer. They have a tendency for pinpoint bleeding when the surface is pared away (Merck). Although some Verrucae may disappear spontaneously, others require specific treatment. It is important to establish and confirm the diagnosis prior to initiating any treatment as numerous viral and fungal lesions affect the human skin (Trent et al, 2001). These include infections with Herpes simplex, herpes zoster, tinea, candida and numerous other organisms which might present similar lesions.

A total cure rate of 87% has also been reported by intralesional treatment with either a single or double injection of bleomycin sulfate (Salk & Douglas, 2006). Needling is a technique which has gained popularity over the recent years. This particular intervention was described