Q: What is Falkner's needling and how does it work for wart treatment?

A: Falkner's needling is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat warts that have not responded to other treatments. The procedure involves puncturing the wart with a needle, disrupting its growth and triggering the body's immune response to attack and eliminate the wart.

Q: How is Falkner's needling performed?

A: A local anesthetic is first applied to the area around the wart to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Then, a sterile needle is used to puncture the wart multiple times, creating small channels that allow the body's immune cells to infiltrate and destroy the wart. The procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes to perform.

Q: What is the recovery time after Falkner's needling?

A: The treated area may be sore and swollen for a few days after the procedure, but patients can typically return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to avoid infection and to follow any aftercare instructions provided by the healthcare provider.

Q: Are there any risks associated with Falkner's needling?

A: As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved, including infection, scarring, and pain. However, these risks are relatively low with Falkner's needling due to its minimally invasive nature.

Q: How effective is Falkner's needling for wart treatment?

A: Falkner's needling has been shown to be highly effective for treating warts, with success rates in a recent study being 87.8%. However, success rates may vary from approximately 65-87.8% depending on the size and location of the wart and individual patient factors.

Q: Is Falkner's needling right for me?

A: Falkner's needling may be recommended for patients who have tried other wart treatments without success. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Falkner's needling is the right treatment option for you.

References:

Baveja, S. et al. (2022) “Falkner’s needling technique for the treatment of warts: Minimum investment, maximum benefit,” Medical Journal Armed Forces India, 78. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mjafi.2020.07.009.