Comparison of 5% potassium hydroxide with 10% potassium hydroxide solution in treatment of molluscum contagiosum: A comparative study

Objective: to compare the results of 5% koh versus 10% koh in treatment of molluscum contagiosum (mc). methods: 40 children having mc were divided into 2 groups. 5% koh solution or 10% koh solution was applied by the patient or a parent on lesions once daily for two weeks or till the appearance of inflammatory signs. patients were followed up 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks for efficacy and side effect. efficacy was categorized as complete remission (≥ 90% clearance of lesions), partial remission (60-90% clearance of lesions) and insignificant improvement (<60% clearance of lesions). results: by the end of study 16 patients in group a (5% koh) and 17 patients in group b (10% koh) were evaluable. partial remission was seen in 4 (25%) in group a while in group b, 7 (41.2%) patients showed complete remission and 10 (58.8%) partial remission. 100% patients in group b showed local side effect in group a and 52.3% developed local side effect in group b. the side effects were mild and did not require discontinuation of treatment. conclusion: 10% koh solution is more effective treatment option for molluscum contagiosum than 5% koh solution.