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. 2015 Mar-Apr;6(2):75-80.
doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.153005.

A comparative study of 10% KOH solution and 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of Molluscum contagiosum in the pediatric age group

Namitha Chathra  1 , D Sukumar  1 , Ramesh M Bhat  1 , B Nanda Kishore  1 , Jacintha Martis  1 , Ganesh Kamath  1 , M K Srinath  1 , Rochelle Monteiro  1
Affiliations

A comparative study of 10% KOH solution and 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of Molluscum contagiosum in the pediatric age group

Namitha Chathra et al. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Background: Although Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limiting condition, active therapy could prevent further spread and improve cosmesis. Most of the available treatment modalities traumatize the lesions and have to be undertaken in the hospital, therefore evoking panic in children. In the quest for an alternative therapy, this study comparing 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and 5% imiquimod cream was taken up.

Aims and objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of 10% KOH and 5% imiquimod in the treatment of MC.

Materials and methods: This comparative study was conducted over a period of 18 months from October 2011 to March 2013, 40 patients between the age group of 1-18 years with clinically diagnosed MC were divided into two groups (lottery method), 20 patients were treated with 5% imiquimod cream (Group A) and the other 20 were treated with 10% KOH solution (Group B). Patients were followed up on the 4(th), 8(th) and 12(th) week of treatment.

Results: At the end of 12 weeks, out of 20 patients who received 10% KOH, 17 patients showed complete disappearance, whereas out of 20 patients who received 5% imiquimod, only 10 patients showed total clearance of the lesions. Adverse events were more frequent with 10% KOH, pigmentary disturbances being the most common.

Conclusion: With only minor adverse effects, 10% KOH is an inexpensive and efficient modality for the treatment of MC in the pediatric age group. Although 5% imiquimod was effective in clearing the lesions with minimal adverse effects, the longer duration required for its efficacy may deter its wider use.

Keywords: 10% potassium hydroxide; 5% imiquimod; Molluscum contagiosum.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Number of patients who showed complete disappearance of lesions
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pretreatment
Figure 3
Figure 3
Disappearance of lesions following treatment with imiquimod
Figure 4
Figure 4
Before and after treatment with imiquimod
Figure 5
Figure 5
Pretreatment
Figure 6
Figure 6
Pigmentary disturbance seen following treatment with potassium hydroxide
Figure 7
Figure 7
Before and after treatment with potassium hydroxide
Figure 8
Figure 8
Ulceration following treatment with potassium hydroxide
Figure 9
Figure 9
Comparison of adverse effects in both groups
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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