Comparative study of potassium hydroxide (KOH) 15% solution versus tretinoin 0.05% cream in treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum


Abstract in English

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 curettage, 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.

References used

TOM W, FRIEDLANDER SF: POXVIRUS INFECTIONS. IN: FITZPATRICK TB, FREEDBERG IM, EISON AZ, WOLFF K, AUSTENK F, GOLDSMITH LA, KATZ SI (eds.). Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. New York, McGraw Hill-Company,2008; 195:1911-13
BROWN J, JANNIGER CK, SCHWARTZ RA, SILVERBERG NB . Childhood molluscum contagiosum. Int J Dermatol,2006; 45: 93-99
JAMES WD, BERGER TG, ELSTON DM . Viral diseases: Mollusucum contagiosum. Andrews Diseases of The Skin, clinical dermatology, 10th ed., Canada, WB Saunders Company ,2006,19: 394-397

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