EFFICACY OF 5% POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE VERSUS 10% POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Hina Saleem Baloch; Najia Ahmed; Arfan Ul Bari; Omer Farooq; Abdullah Ahmad Waqar Qureshi

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v71i6.6807

Authors

Hina Saleem Baloch Pakistan Naval Ship Hospital, Shifa Karachi Pakistan
Najia Ahmed Pakistan Naval Ship Hospital, Shifa Karachi Pakistan
Arfan Ul Bari Pakistan Naval Ship Hospital, Shifa Karachi Pakistan
Omer Farooq Pakistan Naval Ship Hospital, Shifa Karachi Pakistan
Abdullah Ahmad Waqar Qureshi Aster Clinic, Dubai

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v71i6.6807

Keywords:

Efficacy, Molluscum contagiosum, Potassium hydroxide (KOH), Safety

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of 5% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum at a tertiary care Hospital.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology Department, Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi, from Oct 2019 to Apr 2021.

Methodology: Sixty patients with molluscum contagiosum who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the outpatient department of tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Patients were divided into two groups, A (5% KOH) and B (10% KOH) of 30 patients each. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solution was applied at home using the cotton-tipped applicator twice daily. Follow-up of patients was done at 2-weekly intervals for 12 weeks. Efficacy was measured based on the resolution of lesions or improvement from baseline.

Results: Complete response occurred in 23 (76.7%) cases in 10% KOH Group while 6 (20%) in 5% KOH Group, Partial response occurred in 6 (20%) in 10% KOH group while 15 (50%) in 5% KOH group, No response occurred in 1 (3.33%) in 10% KOH group and 9 (30%) in 5% KOH group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: 10% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is an efficient modality for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum compared to 5% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH).