A multi center real world observation to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy versus local hyperthermia for the treatment of plane warts.Most plane warts are recalcitrant to treatment.  Both cryotherapy and local hyperthermia have been applied to treat plane warts.  To assess the efficacy and safety of local hyperthermia at 43 ± 1°C versus liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for plane warts.  Sequential patients with plane warts entered the study, either receiving cryotherapy or local hyperthermia therapy at the discretion of the patients and the recommendations of consultants.  Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen was delivered in two sessions 2 weeks apart, while local hyperthermia was delivered on three consecutive days, plus two similar treatments 10 ± 3 days later.  Local hyperthermia and cryotherapy achieved clearance rates of 35.56% (48/135) and 31.25% (15/48), respectively (p = 0.724); recurrence rates of 16.67% (8/48) and 53.33% (8/15) (p = 0.01); and adverse events rates of 20.74% (28/135) and 83.33% (40/48), respectively (p < 0.001).  Local hyperthermia at 43°C and cryotherapy had similar efficacy for plane warts.  Local hyperthermia had a safer profile than cryotherapy but it required more treatment visits during a treatment course.  More patients preferred local hyperthermia due to its treatment friendly nature.
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