Poster: Cryotherapy compared with a solution of KOH 10% in the treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum (For Professionals)

Poster: Cryotherapy compared with a solution of KOH 10% in the treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum (For Professionals)

BACKGROUND Molluscum contagiosum(MC) is a common viral skin lesion in children and spontaneous resolution takes between 6 to 18 months. Treatments are often requested for cosmetic reasons as well as cumbersome locations (eyes). The authors sought to compare 10% KOH solution vs cryotherapy.

METHODS 30 patients were recruited half male with a mean age of 6.5 years .15 patients received topical 10% KOH solution twice daily until lesion inflammation or superficial erosion were seen. The other 15 patients received cryotherapy once weekly for at least four consecutive treatment sessions. After one month, each group was evaluated for treatment efficacy as well as possible side effects.

RESULTS 13 out of 15 patients (87%) receiving KOH showed complete cure. It was statistically identical to the group who received cryotherapy where 14 out of 15 patients (93%) showed complete cure. Transitory post-inflammatory hypopigmentation or post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation were observed in both groups.

CONCLUSION 10% KOH solution use is a safe and effective treatment for MC  in the pediatric population, who is usually afraid of cryotherapy.

Contributors:

Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland

Source of information: Poster (Handjani F et al.): 10th Congress of the ESPD 2010 – Lausanne, Switzerland