Carbon dioxide laser treatment of pedal verrucae.

Physicians always are pursuing improved results. In the case of pedal verrucae, the varying treatment modalities that have evolved are the product of a search, so far less than successful, for one that is virtually 100% effective. HPV is an extremely resilient and elusive organism, possessing the capabilities of lying dormant and suddenly springing to the surface of the skin. Although no single treatment modality has been shown to be a panacea, the authors believe that, among the various treatment alternatives available, the CO2 laser offers the best surgical prospect for eliminating the verruca and minimizing the sequelae of recurrence and postoperative pain.