To explore the application effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy in patients with verruca planae. Methods A total of 160 patients with verruca planae admitted to the dermatology department of our hospital from May 2020 to May 2023 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into control group and observation group by random number table method, with 80 patients in each group. The control group was treated with tretinoin cream, and the observation group was treated with 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy. The clinical efficacy, satisfaction and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared. Results The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was 96.25%, which was higher than 58.75% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The treatment satisfaction of the observation group was 88.75%, which was higher than 48.75% of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy can improve the treatment effect of verruca plana, and patients have high satisfaction with treatment and good safety.