Needling involves introduction of needle. Needle is introduced in the viral lesion with or without retinoic acid, which causes immune response and regression of the lesion.

Dr. Godse has used this procedure successfully in warts and mollucum. This is a kind of immunotherapy whereby body's immunity is advanced to ward off infections.

For molluscum lesions retinoic acid is applied on top of lesion. 20 no disposable needle is introduced few times in centre of the lesion. This causes redness and swelling. Mollescum disappears withing 2 to 3 weeks. Orally betacarotine (10 mg) 3 times a day is advised. This procedure is useful in non-cooperative patients, young children, genital and eyelid lesions, HIV +ve patients.

In common warts 2% lignocaine is administered at base of wart. 22 no disposable needle is inserted several times to cause bleeding. Wart disappears within 4 to 6 weeks without a scar. Orally vitamin A and betacarotine (10 mg) is advised. This procedure is useful for solitary lesions, facial and nail warts.

For plain warts, retinoic acid is applied twice a day. Few lesions are pierced with 26 no disposable needle once a week. Regression is achieved within 4 to 6 weeks.

With needling, viral particles are exposed to body's immune system. Thereby immunity is enhanced, causing regression of the lesion.

These procedures are done routinely by Dr. Godse. Any queries in this regard my be forwared to drgodse@lakshdeep.com

Dr. Kiran Godse Skin Specialist Laksh-Deep Hospital