Self-administered topical 5% imiquimod for the treatment of common warts and molluscum contagiosum

Abstract

Background: Despite numerous therapeutic options the treatment of common warts and molluscum contagiosum remains unsatisfactory for both patients and physicians. Imiquimod, a novel topical immune response modifier, has been successfully used for the treatment of external anogenital warts.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerance and efficacy of imiquimod for the treatment of common cutaneous warts and mollusca that were resistant to previous therapeutic interventions.

Methods: Imiquimod 5% cream was self-applied by the patients to the warts or mollusca once daily for 5 days per week and left in place overnight. Assessment for response and the occurrence of side-effects was performed every 4 weeks until clinical cure or up to a maximum of 16 weeks.

Results: Twenty-eight of 50 (56%) patients with warts achieved a total clearance (n = 15; 30%) or a > 50% reduction in wart size (n = 13; 26%) after a mean treatment period of 9.2 weeks. Twelve of 15 (80%) patients with mollusca achieved a total clearance (n = 8; 53%) or a > 50% reduction in molluscum size (n = 4; 27%). There was no difference in response with regard to gender, human immunodeficiency virus serostatus or atopic predisposition.

Conclusions: Patient-applied 5% imiquimod cream holds promise as an effective treatment of common warts and mollusca in a difficult-to-treat patient population.