Topical garlic treatment for verruca plana triggers Koebner phenomenon: A case report

Abstract

Background: Verruca plana is a benign proliferation of the skin caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Fresh garlic can serve as an alternative therapy, and it has shown considerable effectiveness as a topical treatment for verruca plana. However, topical garlic treatment for verruca plana triggered Koebner phenomenon (KP), which has not been previously reported. Aim: The aim of our report is to explore the possible causes of this adverse reaction. Method: We here describe a 20-year-old female patient who developed a beaded rash after garlic treatment for facial wart plana, known as autoinoculation or KP. Results: Garlic may have caused damage to the surrounding normal skin through primary irritation or allergic reactions. Then, the HPV virus on the primary verruca plana took the opportunity to spread to the surrounding skin injured by garlic stimulation, triggering the KP. Conclusion: When using garlic to treat verruca plana, the operator needs to precisely apply the mashed garlic to the warts, and this treatment is strictly prohibited for patients who are allergic to garlic. Avoid such adverse reactions.