Bowenoid papulosis in a patient with AIDS treated with imiquimod: case report

A 53-year-old male patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was treated with topical immunomodulator imiquimod for bowenoid papular. Clinically the lesions presented as condilomatous and papulous changes with color varying from skin color to grayish. The lesions were located in the glans and in the dorsum of the penis. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) 16. It was decided to apply a topical treatment with imiquimod 5% cream three times a week for 16 weeks. Almost complete regression was obtained; the residual lesions were treated with a combined chemical cauterization by using 50% trichloroacetic acid followed by 25% podophylin. Although it is not a definitive treatment, the use of topical immunomodulator is one more therapeutic option in the selected HPV cases.