A Therapeutic Trial Comparing Modified Autoinoculation, a Novel Approach with Topical Potassium Hydroxide Application in the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

CONTEXT: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral cutaneous infection. Despite multiple treatment options, there is no definitive treatment. In some cases, the lesions are severe, recurrent, and cosmetically odd. Modified autoinoculation (MAI) is a novel technique that induces cell-mediated immunity resulting in clearance of local as well as distant lesions. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) acts by dissolving the keratin and penetrating deeply destroys the hyperproliferative tissue. We would here like to compare MAI with topical KOH in the treatment of MC. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MAI in treatment of MC and to compare its response with topical KOH application. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was an open-labeled longitudinal therapeutic outcome study carried out at a tertiary care center over a period of 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred consenting MC patients attending the department of dermatology were randomized into Group A and Group B. Group A patients were subjected to MAI and Group B to topical application of 10% KOH. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The continuous variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The difference between the mean score was analyzed using Student’s t test for independent variable and paired t test for paired results. RESULTS: At the end of 16 weeks, 91.48% showed complete clearance by MAI compared to 81.64% with topical 10% KOH solution. There was a significant reduction of mean score of lesions in patients treated by MAI compared to patients treated with KOH. CONCLUSION: MAI therapy provides a promising, easy, cost-effective, daycare option for MC infections.