Background : Molluscum contagiosum is one of the commonest cutaneos viral infections in
children . Although there is no specific treatment for this infection many therapeutic modalities
have been used with different success rates , including curett
age, trichloroacetic acid , and
cryotherapy .
All treatment modalities are associated with substantial pain, tissue destruction, and
frequent recurrence.
There are other modalities that can be applied by parents and less side effects , such as using
tretinoin and KOH .
In our study , we compare between KOH which dissolves keratin and penetrate deeply the
skin , and tretinoin which damages the viral protein – lipid membrane
Objective : To compare the efficacy and side effects of KOH 15% solution with tretinoin
0.05% cream for treatment of molluscum contagiosum .
Material and methods : Total 52 patients with molluscum contagiosum were enrolled in this
study, from 2013 to 2014 , from Dermatology Department of Al Assad University outpatients,
Lattakia .We have designed a questionnaire include personal factors In addition to the tables to
compare all of KOH (15%) solution and teritnoian (0.05%) cream in terms of effectiveness in the
treatment and side effects.
Results : Mail : female ratio was (1.48 : 1) , age onset was higher at first decade (67.3%).
The most common involved site was the trunk ( 42.3 %) .
Both of the study treatment regimens have advantage over other treatment options as they
are locally applicable , less traumatic and painful .
Because of these characteristics , they can be easily applicable for the treatment of
Molluscum Contagiosum .
During the treatment period , using KOH (15%) showed cure rate ( 75%) after two weeks of
treatment , while using tretinoin (0.05%) showed cure rate (20.8%) after two weeks, and most of
the patients need four weeks and even more
Conclusion : The result of both KOH and tretinoin showed good response , well tolerated by
children but between the two , KOH showed fast recovery and most lesions were resolved before 4
week . The side effects could be minimized if applied as stated above . On the other hand , tretinoin
showed delayed response and even some of lesion extended beyond 4 week but the side effect were
less , and hence can be used in recurrent cases.
