KUMJ | VOL. 9 | NO. 4 | ISSUE 36 | OCT-DEC, 2011

Comparative Study of 5 % Potassium Hydroxide Solution Versus 0.05% Tretinoin Cream for Molluscum Contagiosum in Children
Rajouria EA, Amatya A, Karn D

Background

Molluscum contagiosum is one of the commonest cutaneous viral infections

in children. All treatment modalities are associated with substantial pain, tissue

destruction, and frequent recurrence.

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and side effects of KOH 5% solution with tretinoin 0.05%

cream for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children.

Methods

Fifty patients were randomly divided into 2 groups; 25 each for 5% KOH solution

and 0.05% tretinoin cream. The given medication was applied at bed time over

molluscum lesions. The assessment of response and side effects were performed

weekly for 4 weeks.

Results

At the end of 4 weeks, the mean lesion count decreased from 9.48±3.00 SD to

1.67±0.58 SD and from 8.35±2.82 SD to 2.00±1.00 SD in patients treated with 5%

KOH solution and 0.05% tretinoin cream respectively.

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.