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Treatment of pediatric molluscum contagiosum with 10% potassium hydroxide solution
Burce Can1, Filiz Topaloğlu, Mukaddes Kavala
1Department of Dermatology, University of Medeniyet Goztepe Training and Research Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey.
Background:
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common cutaneous viral infection of the skin that is frequently seen in children. Although lesions can resolve spontaneously, treatment is mandatory because of the psychological effect of widespread lesions in children. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong alkali that has been used by dermatologists for a long time in identifying the fungal infections from skin scrapings.
Aims:
We evaluated 40 children with MC for the safety and efficacy of treatment with topical 10% KOH aqueous solution.
Methods:
Parents were instructed to apply a 10% KOH aqueous solution, twice daily, with a cotton stick to all lesions. Treatment was continued till the lesions showed signs of inflammation or superficial ulceration. Assessments of response and side effects were performed at the end of week 2, week 4, week 8 and week 12.
Results:
We found complete clearance of lesions in 37 (92.5%) patients receiving topical 10%KOH solution after a mean period of four weeks. Three children dropped out of the study; two children reported severe stinging of the lesions and discontinued the treatment; the other patient developed hypopigmentation during the treatment. Local side effects were observed in 12 children (32.4%).
Conclusion:
Even though 10% KOH solution is associated with some local side effects, it is a safe, effective, inexpensive and noninvasive alternative treatment of MC in children.
Insights
Topical 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution effectively treated molluscum contagiosum (MC) in children. This safe and inexpensive treatment achieved high clearance rates with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral skin infection in children, often requiring treatment due to psychological distress from widespread lesions.
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a well-established alkali used in dermatology for diagnostic purposes, such as identifying fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a topical 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) aqueous solution for treating molluscum contagiosum (MC) in pediatric patients.
- To assess the treatment outcomes and side effects associated with topical 10% KOH in children with MC.
Main Methods:
- Forty children diagnosed with MC were enrolled in the study.
- Parents applied a 10% KOH aqueous solution twice daily to all lesions using a cotton stick.
- Treatment continued until lesions showed signs of inflammation or superficial ulceration, with assessments at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12.
Main Results:
- Complete clearance of MC lesions was observed in 92.5% (37 out of 40) of children within a mean of four weeks.
- Three children discontinued the study: two due to severe stinging, and one developed hypopigmentation.
- Local side effects were reported in 32.4% (12 children) of the participants.
Conclusions:
- Topical 10% KOH solution is a safe and effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum in children.
- Despite some local side effects, 10% KOH offers an inexpensive and noninvasive therapeutic option for pediatric MC.
- The study supports the use of topical 10% KOH as a viable alternative treatment for molluscum contagiosum in pediatric populations.
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