Serum zinc levels in patients with multiple warts

Background Although zinc sulphate has been used successfully for the treatment of warts, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. It may work by deficient body stores. The aim of this study was to compare the serum concentration of zinc in patients with multiple warts with normal subjects. Patients and methods In this case-controlled study, 30 patients less than 15 years of age with multiple warts and 30 individuals from the normal population who were matched for age and sex were included. The level of zinc in the serum was measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry in the two groups. Results The mean serum zinc concentration in the patient and control groups was 55.2±9.6 and 55.8±8.2 μg 100 mL-1, respectively. No significant difference in serum zinc concentration was found between the two groups (p=0.795). However, there was a significant inverse correlation between serum zinc concentrations and the number of warts (β=-1.793, SE=0.646, P=0.002). There was no significant relationship between serum zinc concentration and duration of disease in the patient group (β=-0.129, SE=0.083, p=0.124). Conclusion Serum zinc concentration in patients with multiple warts was not statistically different from control subjects. However, there was an inverse relationship between serum zinc concentration and the number of warts