Self-administered topical 5% imiquimod for the treatment of common warts and molluscum contagiosum.
BACKGROUND
Despite numerous therapeutic options the treatment of common warts and molluscum contagiosum remains unsatisfactory for both patients and physicians. Imiquimod, a novel topical immune response modifier, has been successfully used for the treatment of external anogenital warts.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerance and efficacy of imiquimod for the treatment of common cutaneous warts and mollusca that were resistant to previous therapeutic interventions.


METHODS
Imiquimod 5% cream was self-applied by the patients to the warts or mollusca once daily for 5 days per week and left in place overnight. Assessment for response and the occurrence of side-effects was performed every 4 weeks until clinical cure or up to a maximum of 16 weeks.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight of 50 (56%) patients with warts achieved a total clearance (n = 15; 30%) or a > 50% reduction in wart size (n = 13; 26%) after a mean treatment period of 9.2 weeks. Twelve of 15 (80%) patients with mollusca achieved a total clearance (n = 8; 53%) or a > 50% reduction in molluscum size (n = 4; 27%). There was no difference in response with regard to gender, human immunodeficiency virus serostatus or atopic predisposition.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient-applied 5% imiquimod cream holds promise as an effective treatment of common warts and mollusca in a difficult-to-treat patient population.
Hengge
U R
UR
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University of Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. ulrich.hengge@uni-essen.de
Esser
S
S
Schultewolter
T
T
Behrendt
C
C
Meyer
T
T
Stockfleth
E
E
Goos
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012646:Self Administration; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014860:Warts / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod