Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of the Use of Topical 10% Potassium Hydroxide Solution in the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection of the skin that frequently affects children. Lesions take between 6 and 18 months to resolve spontaneously and are a source of great embarrassment to both caretakers and children, often affecting attendance at school and limiting social activity. Treatment options to date have been poorly tolerated by children but recent studies have suggested that potassium hydroxide may be beneficial. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study compared 10% potassium hydroxide with placebo (normal saline). Twenty patients, aged 2 to 12 years, were recruited. Parents applied a solution twice daily to lesional skin until signs of inflammation appeared. Children were examined by the same observer on days 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90. Seventy percent of children receiving topical potassium hydroxide cleared, compared with 20% in the placebo group. Further dosing studies are required to identify whether weaker concentrations of potassium hydroxide are as efficacious, with less irritancy.

Molluscum Contagiosum: Review and Update on Management

“…Topical KOH has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of MC lesions in children in several studies . Short et al conducted an RCT in 20 children 2 to 12 years of age and found that 10% KOH induced MC lesion clearance in 70% of the treatment group versus only 10% of the control arm (normal saline placebo applied) when the agents were applied twice daily until inflammatory changes appeared. KOH has also been compared with alternative treatments, including tretinoin and imiquimod (Table ).…”

Molusco contagioso em tatuagem

“…7 More recently we have demonstrated the efficacy and safety profile of the use of potassium hydroxide (KOH) 5 to 10% in aqueous solution, in the treatment of molluscum contagious in immunocompetent children. [8][9][10] The solution must be applied at home by the patient or parents through the use of a swab on each lesion. The applications should be repeated daily until there are signs of erythema or local edema.…”

Molluscum Contagiosum With Children: Peculiarities of Course and Modern Approaches to Therapy

“…Short и соавт. опубликовали результаты первого двойного слепого плацебоконтролируемого исследова-ния по применению 10% раствора гидроксида калия, наносимого 2 раза/сут, у 20 детей в возрасте от 2 до 12 лет с диагнозом контагиозного моллюска [20]. Завер-шили исследование 19 пациентов.…”