title: A comparative study of 10% KOH solution and 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of Molluscum contagiosum in the pediatric age group.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limiting condition, active therapy could prevent further spread and improve cosmesis. Most of the available treatment modalities traumatize the lesions and have to be undertaken in the hospital, therefore evoking panic in children. In the quest for an alternative therapy, this study comparing 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and 5% imiquimod cream was taken up.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of 10% KOH and 5% imiquimod in the treatment of MC.
  
  
  METHODS
  This comparative study was conducted over a period of 18 months from October 2011 to March 2013, 40 patients between the age group of 1-18 years with clinically diagnosed MC were divided into two groups (lottery method), 20 patients were treated with 5% imiquimod cream (Group A) and the other 20 were treated with 10% KOH solution (Group B). Patients were followed up on the 4(th), 8(th) and 12(th) week of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of 12 weeks, out of 20 patients who received 10% KOH, 17 patients showed complete disappearance, whereas out of 20 patients who received 5% imiquimod, only 10 patients showed total clearance of the lesions. Adverse events were more frequent with 10% KOH, pigmentary disturbances being the most common.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With only minor adverse effects, 10% KOH is an inexpensive and efficient modality for the treatment of MC in the pediatric age group. Although 5% imiquimod was effective in clearing the lesions with minimal adverse effects, the longer duration required for its efficacy may deter its wider use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Namitha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chathra
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sukumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Ramesh M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: B Nanda
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Kishore
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Jacintha
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martis
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Ganesh
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kamath
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Srinath
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Rochelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Monteiro
keywords: 10% potassium hydroxide; 5% imiquimod; Molluscum contagiosum
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