Recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum in a patient with AIDS: combined treatment with CO(2) laser, trichloroacetic acid, and pulsed dye laser.

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.