Clinical use of zinc in viral warts: a systematic review of the clinical trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#administration-topical #humans #papillomaviridae #warts #zinc

Clinical use of zinc in viral warts: a systematic review of the clinical trials

Song et al., 2022 | J Dermatolog Treat | Systematic Review

Citation

Song Deyu, Pan Linxin, ... Wang Sheng. Clinical use of zinc in viral warts: a systematic review of the clinical trials. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022-Jun;33(4):1878-1887. doi:10.1080/09546634.2021.1942420

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Zinc has shown promise in the treatment of patients with viral warts in several clinical trials, but there is no consensus on its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of various formulations of zinc on cutaneous warts. DATA SOURCES: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PUBMED, and Web of Science without publishing-time restriction. Trials examining zinc in the treatment of warts were collected. RESULTS: Out of 265 articles, a total of 16 met inclusion criteria. Six clinical trials investigated the clinical effectiveness of oral zinc supplementation alone in treating viral warts, two trials evaluated the efficacy of oral zinc in combination with other therapy, five trials investigated the efficacy of intralesional zinc sulfate, and three trials investigated topical zinc treatment efficacy. Zinc therapy was found to be beneficial in 13 of 16 studies evaluating its effects on warts. CONCLUSIONS: The use of zinc is a simple, safe, and cost-effective treatment in viral warts based on some preliminary evidence. However, more well-designed studies need to be performed to further evaluate the effect of zinc on warts.

Key Findings

Out of 265 articles, a total of 16 met inclusion criteria. Six clinical trials investigated the clinical effectiveness of oral zinc supplementation alone in treating viral warts, two trials evaluated the efficacy of oral zinc in combination with other therapy, five trials investigated the efficacy of intralesional zinc sulfate, and three trials investigated topical zinc treatment efficacy. Zinc therapy was found to be beneficial in 13 of 16 studies evaluating its effects on warts.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population viral warts in several
Sample Size 16
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Humans
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Warts
  • Zinc
  • Zinc Sulfate

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: zinc

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09