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Recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum in a patient with AIDS: Combined treatment with CO 2 laser, trichloroacetic acid, and pulsed dye laser
Author(s) -
Yoshinaga Iara G.,
Conrado Luciana A.,
Schainberg Suzana C.,
Grinblat Mario
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/1096-9101(2000)27:4<291::aid-lsm1>3.0.co;2-7
Subject(s) - trichloroacetic acid , molluscum contagiosum , dye laser , laser , medicine , dermatology , virology , chemistry , optics , chromatography , physics
Abstract Background and Objective Recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum (MC) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is usually difficult to treat. We present a case treated by a combination of CO 2 laser, trichloroacetic acid, and the 585‐nm pulsed dye laser (PDL). The purpose was to determine the effectiveness and ease of these treatment modalities. Study Design/Materials and Methods A patient with AIDS presented with recalcitrant MC lesions, predominantly located on the face. The lesions were first treated with the CO 2 laser, in two sessions. Recurrent lesions were treated either with 50% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or with the PDL. Results The CO 2 laser treated lesions healed within 2 weeks without secondary infection. The PDL and the TCA treated lesions resolved completely after one treatment. Conclusion Treatment of MC in AIDS patients remains a challenge. The combination of two or more therapeutic modalities, such as CO 2 laser, PDL, and TCA can be of great help to improve the quality of life of these patients. Lasers Surg. Med. 27:291–294, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.