Pulsed dye laser treatment of molluscum contagiosum in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Molluscum contagiosum is usually a self-limited benign viral disease in children and young adults. In patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), however, the infection is often widespread, disfiguring, and recalcitrant to conventional therapy.

OBJECTIVE:

A treatment modality for widespread, recurrent molluscum contagiosum is necessary that is effective, safe, and simple.

METHODS:

Widespread molluscum contagiosum recalcitrant to conventional therapy in a patient with AIDS was treated with the 585-nm pulsed dye laser.

RESULTS:

There was a significant reduction in the number of molluscum contagiosum lesions following a single treatment with the pulsed dye laser. Treated-areas remained disease-free after 4 months. No complications were associated with the procedure.

CONCLUSION:

Pulsed dye laser treatment may offer another therapeutic modality that is effective and safe in the treatment of widespread and recurrent molluscum contagiosum.

• Authors: K S Nehal, D S Sarnoff, R H Gotkin, A Friedman-Kien
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 24 Issue 5 Pg. 533-5 (May 1998) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9598007 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections (surgery, virology)
• Adult
• Humans
• Laser Therapy
• Male
• Molluscum Contagiosum (surgery)
• Treatment Outcome