Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial on efficacy and safety of topical 10% Potassium hydroxide for molluscum contagiosum treatment in children. (17th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giner-Soriano, Maria; Teixidó, Concepció; Marsal, Josep R.; Díez, Olga; Pera, Helena; Vlacho, Bogdan; Morros, Rosa
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 30:Number 8(2019)
• Page Start: 750
• Page End: 756
• Publication Date: 2019-11-17
• Subjects: Molluscum contagiosum -- potassium hydroxide -- randomized clinical trial -- pediatrics; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1573305
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction : Our objective was to assess efficacy, safety and tolerance of topical potassium hydroxide (KOH) 10% for treating Molluscum contagiosum (MC) in children. Material and methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial including all children 2–16 years with MC infection attending pediatrician primary healthcare visits. The treatment was KOH 10% gel applied once daily up to clearing (maximum 30 days). Results: KOH 10% showed superior efficacy to placebo (55.3% vs 16.3%, p < .001). Time until clearing was inferior with KOH 10% ( p = .001). MC lesions were reduced with KOH 10%, which also showed higher efficacy when the instructions of use of the device were modified. KOH 10% patients presented more adverse events (AE) than placebo patients (72.3% vs 31.8%, p < .001). Most patients (91.5%) completely recovered. There were no differences in frequency of AE before and after the change of instructions, intolerance was more frequently reported by parents with new instructions. Conclusions: KOH 10% was superior to placebo in the main efficacy outcome and most secondary efficacy outcomes. KOH 10% patients had more AE and intolerance symptoms than placebo, although there were no severe AE and most patients recovered. KOH 10% is an effective and safe topical treatment for MC infection in children.