Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum with the 585-ntn Pulsed Dye Laser

Abstract

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.