“COMPARISON OF 10% POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (KOH) SOLUTION V/S 5% IMIQUIMOD CREAM V/S ORAL RANITIDINE IN THE TREATMENT OF MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM”
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Keywords
5% imiquimod, 10% potassium hydroxide, Molluscum contagiosum, Oral ranitidine, children, immunomodulatory
Abstract
Context: The majority of treatment options in molluscum contagiosum traumatise the lesions and must be performed in a hospital, making patients anxious.
Aims: This study aims at comparing 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, 5% imiquimod cream and oral ranitidine in the treatment of MC in search for an alternative therapy.
Settings and Design: The study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, from January 2021 to September 2022; with triple group cohorts.
Methods and Material: Patients having atleast three MC lesions aged between 5-54 years were enrolled in the study and were allocated into three groups, A, B, and C, each with 30 patients. Group A patients were instructed to apply the 10% KOH solution, group B received 0.25 g sachets of 5% imiquimod cream and group C received oral ranitidine at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for eight weeks.
Statistical analysis used: To compare the groups of data, ANOVA test was used.
Results: At the end of this study, complete clearance of lesions was seen in 36% (9/25) patients in group A, 33.33% (7/25) patients in Group B and 15.80% (3/19) patients in group C. 48% (12/25) patients in Group A showed adverse effects in contrast to Group B with only 50% (6/12) patients showing adverse effects. No adverse events were reported among the patients in Group C.
Conclusions: It would seem reasonable to use 10% KOH solution because it is effective and affordable, albeit with a few minor side effects.
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Dr. Sankalp Awasthi
M.D., Professor, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Dr. Manisha Nijhawan
M.D., Professor & HOD, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Dr. Kiran Kumawat
Junior Resident, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Dr. Meet Patel
Junior Resident, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India