Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with the 585-nm pulsed dye laser.
BACKGROUND
Molluscum contagiosum nodules are common viral-induced lesions that are troublesome to treat, especially in children. I report the first study, to my knowledge, demonstrating effective, well-tolerated, and quick treatment of these lesions with the 585-nm pulsed dye laser.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness and ease of 585-nm pulsed dye laser treatment of molluscum contagiosum.


METHODS
Eighty-eight lesions were treated by double-pulsing them at 1 Hz (one pulse per second) with a 3-mm spot size (fluence, 7.0-8.0 J/cm2) or 5-mm spot size (fluence, 6.8-7.2 J/cm2).


RESULTS
Eighty-seven of the 88 lesions resolved completely with one treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The 585-nm pulsed dye laser is an effective, well-tolerated, and quick treatment for molluscum contagiosum.
Hughes
P S
PS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*