A Case Series: Experience of Using 20% Potassium Hydroxide Solution to Treat Adult Sexually Transmitted Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum: Epidemiology, Considerations, Treatment Options, and Therapeutic Gaps

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection that affects primarily pediatric patients, sexually active young adults, and immunocompromised people of all ages. MC occurs all over the world, making up about one percent of skin disorders and appears to be increasing in prevalence. This cutaneous infection is often associated with atopic dermatitis and is typically self-limiting, although spontaneous resolution can take months to years. Many treatments exist, but only one-a drug-device product using topical cantharidin- is approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of MC. For many years, there was a lack of an established or FDA-approved first-line treatment for MC, which might have contributed to the common "benign neglect" attitude of physicians regarding treatment of MC. Unfortunately, this noninterventional approach can increase risk of spreading infection and result in longer duration of infection, physical discomfort, and psychosocial issues due to persistence of the MC lesions. This article reviews available epidemiology data and explores treatment options and therapeutic gaps in MC management.

Two Cases of Giant Molluscum Contagiosum on the Eyelids of HIV Patients Successfully Treated with Adjuvant Self-Applied Topical 20% Potassium Hydroxide Solution

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an infectious disease caused by the MC virus. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, MC has an atypical predilection and prominence, sometimes measuring more than 1 cm in diameter, known as giant MC. Giant MC lesions on the eyelids are rare. There is no standardized therapy for eyelids MC in HIV patients. Antiretroviral (ARV) administration is recommended as the primary treatment for MC in HIV patients along with other treatment modalities, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH). The 20% KOH solution is a keratolytic agent with good efficacy as MC therapy. Two cases of giant MC on the eyelids of stage 2 HIV patients with respective CD4+ of 31 cells/μL and 46 cells/μL were reported. The lesions consisted of multiple confluent papules with central umbilication, and Tzanck smear revealed Henderson–Patterson bodies. Both patients were treated with ARV and self-applied 20% KOH solution once daily. The lesions improved after four weeks of therapy in both patients with most of the lesions diminished. The successful treatment with 20% KOH solution for giant MC on the eyelids of HIV patients observed in the current study provides evidence that treatment with this solution yielded prompt results, is non-toxic, and can be self-applied.

The efficacy and safety of topical 10% potassium hydroxide for molluscum contagiosum: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limited cutaneous viral infection. Topical 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) has been used for treating MC. However, it remains unclear whether it is beneficial or not to apply topical 10% KOH for treating MC.

METHODS

To confirm the efficacy and safety of topical 10% KOH compared with placebo as well as other treatments for MC, meta-analysis was used. Up to September 2020, we performed a comprehensive search of literature based on three databases with following keywords including 'molluscum contagiosum' and 'potassium hydroxide'.

RESULTS

Our meta-analyses demonstrated a significant difference between topical 10% KOH and placebo for complete clearance of MC (RR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.69 - 5.17, p = .0001), while there were no statistical differences between them in the number of patients with adverse events (RR: 1.73, 95% CI: 0.67 - 4.45, p = .2562). Also, topical 10% KOH was as effective as mechanical treatments for MC (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.84 - 1.07, p = .3833).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that application of topical 10% KOH may be one of effective and appropriate methods for the treatment of MC compared with awaiting spontaneous resolution due to its safety and effectiveness.