Rapid clearance of facial verruca plana with local hyperthermia treatment combined with topical interferon alpha-2b in 3 weeks: a case report

Abstract Background Facial verruca plana can be therapeutically challenging and cosmetically distressing when extensive. Conventional ablative treatments (for example, cryotherapy) often carry risks of scarring and discomfort. We report a novel combination of local hyperthermia and topical interferon alpha-2b gel that achieved rapid, scar‑free clearance of widespread facial warts within 3 weeks. Case presentation A 49‑year‑old Han Chinese male patient presented with over 60 verruca plana distributed across the cheeks, forehead, and nose. He had no history of immunodeficiency or systemic disease. Previous topical therapies yielded minimal improvement. The patient was treated with a pulsed regimen of local infrared hyperthermia (44 ± 2 °C) targeting representative lesions, combined with twice-daily topical application of interferon alpha-2b gel. By the sixth hyperthermia session (approximately 2 weeks after initiation), significant lesion regression was observed. Near‑complete clearance occurred by the tenth session (3 weeks), with no scarring or adverse effects. At the 16‑week follow‑up, there was no recurrence. Conclusion The combination of targeted local hyperthermia and topical interferon alpha-2b gel appears to be a safe, effective, and cosmetically favorable treatment for extensive facial verruca plana. This regimen harnesses both immunomodulatory and antiviral mechanisms to accelerate viral lesion clearance while preserving skin integrity. Further studies in larger cohorts are warranted to validate this approach.