J Dermatolog Treat. 2021 Mar 5:1-21. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2021.1898527. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
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 = 0.0001), 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 = 0.2562). Also, topical 10% KOH was as effective as mechanical treatments for MC (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.84 – 1.07, p = 0.3833).
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.
PMID:33667150 | DOI:10.1080/09546634.2021.1898527
