Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum With the Pulsed Dye Laser Over a 28-Month Period

Although benign, molluscum contagiosum causes cosmetic concern, infection, or transmission to close contacts. Treating patients with multiple lesions, especially children, may be difficult. Complications of treatment include infection, scarring, and limited posttreatment activity. The pulsed dye laser (PDL) has proven safe and effective for the treatment of many skin lesions, but little data exist for its role in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum. The purpose of this study is to describe the use, over a 28-month period, of the 585-nm PDL for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum. The benefits of this treatment are discussed.
The charts of 43 patients receiving PDL treatment for molluscum contagiosum between November 1997 and March 2000 were reviewed. Number and location of lesions at initial presentation and on follow-up visits were recorded. Attempts were made to contact patients who were lost to follow-up. All of the approximately 1250 lesions treated resolved, and 35% of patients (n=15) had no new lesions after 2 treatments. No complications were associated with the procedure. The PDL is a reasonable alternative to traditional treatment modalities for molluscum contagiosum. Benefits to the patient may include prompt response, fewer treatments, and minimal morbidity.