Topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum with imiquimod 5% cream in Turkish children.

BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is caused by a poxvirus which produces cutaneous lesions appearing as small, firm, umbilicated papules. Lesions of MC are most commonly seen in young children. Transmission is through viral particles, which remain on surfaces, autoinoculation, or from contact with open lesions. There are many options for treatment of MC and these may be broadly subdivided into destructive, immunological and antiviral therapies. An alternative treatment would be desirable in pediatric patients. Imiquimod (IQ) is a member of immune response modifiers.

METHODS: Here, the results of 12 Turkish pediatric patients with MC who used IQ 5% cream (aged between 3-13 years; six boys, six girls) are given. The cream was applied by the mothers in the evening, three times per week every other day up to 16 weeks.

RESULTS: One of the patients gave up the treatment because of Influenza-like symptoms, and two of them because of the progress in the lesions continued. In seven of the remaining nine patients, total recovery was achieved. Local side-effects in patients were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: When all the patients affected with MC who exclusively used IQ 5% cream as mentioned in the literature were studied, 35 of 83 patients (42.2%) had complete clearance. These have differences in the form and duration of application. IQ 5% cream can be preferred in the treatment of children with MC because of its applicability at home, easy application and good tolerability. However, different application methods and suitable treatment methods should be determined.