Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with the 585-nm pulsed dye laser.

BACKGROUND

Molluscum contagiosum nodules are common viral-induced lesions that are troublesome to treat, especially in children. I report the first study, to my knowledge, demonstrating effective, well-tolerated, and quick treatment of these lesions with the 585-nm pulsed dye laser.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and ease of 585-nm pulsed dye laser treatment of molluscum contagiosum.

METHODS

Eighty-eight lesions were treated by double-pulsing them at 1 Hz (one pulse per second) with a 3-mm spot size (fluence, 7.0-8.0 J/cm2) or 5-mm spot size (fluence, 6.8-7.2 J/cm2).

RESULTS

Eighty-seven of the 88 lesions resolved completely with one treatment.

CONCLUSION

The 585-nm pulsed dye laser is an effective, well-tolerated, and quick treatment for molluscum contagiosum.