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

Abstract

Background Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a benign disease of the skin and mucous membrane caused by a poxvirus. To date, there is no standard therapy used for the treatment of MC. Using 10% of potassium hydroxide (KOH) once or twice a day and 20% KOH once a day are often applicable to MC lesions both in children and adults. Nevertheless, the usage of 20% KOH twice a day still has not been reported. Purpose This case series aimed to show the efficacy and side effects of once- or twice-daily application of 20% KOH solution for MC lesions due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adults. Patients and Methods Three cases of MC on the genital were applied once or twice daily and one case of MC on the face was applied twice daily using 20% KOH solution. Results As a result, the application of 20% KOH twice daily showed the improvement of MC lesions on the face on day 7 and MC lesions on the genital on day 20. Meanwhile, once-daily application of 20% KOH showed diminished MC lesions on genital on day 25–31 after treatment. There were tolerable side effects that occurred in this treatment, such as stinging and burning sensation several minutes after application, erosions, and post-inflammatory hypo- and hyper-pigmentation. Conclusion The 20% KOH solution twice daily on MC lesions in adults is effective, practical, and inexpensive.

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

“…Meanwhile, once-daily application of 20% KOH solution required longer time (day 25–31 after therapy) to reduce genital MC lesions. 7 Common side effects such as stinging pain within 1–2 minutes after use, inflammation for 5–7 days, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation were reported. 7 , 17 Other side effects reported in a study using 20% KOH solution in 18 adult MC patients include pain (55%), burning sensation (20%), and secondary infections (10%).…”

“… 7 Common side effects such as stinging pain within 1–2 minutes after use, inflammation for 5–7 days, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation were reported. 7 , 17 Other side effects reported in a study using 20% KOH solution in 18 adult MC patients include pain (55%), burning sensation (20%), and secondary infections (10%). 6 Our patients were treated with ARV and adjuvant topical 20% KOH solution once daily at night.…”

“…It is also relatively easy to use, and inexpensive. 6 , 7 This case report aims to present two cases of giant MC on the eyelids of HIV patients successfully treated with ARV and adjuvant self-administered topical 20% KOH solution.…”

Anetoderma in molluscum contagiosum treated with 10% potassium hydroxide

“…It is thought to produce inflammation that stimulates immunity against the virus 1,4 . However, it can cause variable degrees of erythema, pain, burning, superficial sloughing, crusting, secondary infection, dyspigmentation and occasional depressed scars depending on the concentration, anatomical region and individual susceptibility 4,5 .…”

“…3 It is thought to produce inflammation that stimulates immunity against the virus. 1,4 However, it can cause variable degrees of erythema, pain, burning, superficial sloughing, crusting, secondary infection, dyspigmentation and occasional depressed scars depending on the concentration, anatomical region and individual susceptibility. 4,5 Secondary anetoderma considered to be an unusual scar (macular atrophy), clinically appears as localized atrophic flaccid skin and histologically shows focal elastolysis.…”