Duct tape occlusion therapy
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Duct tape occlusion therapy (DTOT): is a controversial method for treating warts by keeping them covered with duct tape for an extended period. The putative mechanism is not well understood—possibilities are increased temperature, oxygen starvation and stimulation of the host immune system<ref>Common wart self care by Mayo Clinic staff February 17, 2006</ref>. Similar treatments involving silicone gel sheets are often used with hypertrophic scars, with the same unknown method of action.
Suggested procedure:
- Place a piece of duct tape on the lesion
- Leave the tape in place for six days, replacing any duct tape that falls off with a new piece as soon as possible
- After six days, remove tape and soak the wart in water
- Gently debride the lesions with a pumice stone or emery board
- Next morning, apply a new piece of duct tape to begin another six-day cycle for up to two months or until the wart is gone
[edit] Evidence
There have been few trials that study the effectiveness of DTOT. One randomized clinical trial found that DTOT was more effective than cryotherapy at removing warts<ref>The Efficacy of Duct Tape vs Cryotherapy in the Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris (the Common Wart)</ref>. A second trial found duct tape had a modest but nonsignificant effect on wart resolution<ref>Efficacy of Duct Tape vs Placebo in the Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris (Warts) in Primary School Children</ref>. However, it should be noted that the statistical power of the latter trial has been questioned.<ref>Interpreting negative results from an underpowered clinical trial: warts and all. PMID 17088515</ref>
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[edit] References
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