Trichloroacetic acid peel of molluscum contagiosum in immunocompromised patients.

Seven human immunodeficiency virus-(HIV) positive patients with biopsy proved extensive facial molluscum contagiosum were treated with trichloroacetic acid peels. Peels were performed with 25 to 50% trichloroacetic acid (average 35%) and were repeated every 2 weeks as needed. A total of 15 peels were performed with an average reduction in lesion counts of 40.5% (range 0 to 90%). No spread of molluscum lesions, scarring, or secondary infection developed at 2 months' follow-up. Trichloroacetic acid peeling in concentrations of 35% or less appears to be a safe, effective, adjuvant therapy in the treatment of extensive molluscum contagiosum in immunocompromised patients.