Efficacy and safety of adapalene 0.1 % vs. trichloroacetic acid 30% in management of molluscum contagiosum in children: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background Molluscum contagiosum is viral infection that is quite common in children. Although many treatment options are available, but these are associated with complications of pain, erythema, scarring or recurrence.   Objective Comparison of efficacy and safety of adapalene 0.1% and trichloroacetic acid 30% in management of molluscum contagiosum in children.   Methods Sample size was sixty. Participants were randomized in two groups.  In group A, 30 patients were treated with TCA and in group B, 30 patients were treated with adapalene. Patients were followed for 6 weeks.   Results TCA was found safe in 21 (70%) patients vs. 29 (96.7%) in adapalene group (p<0.05). TCA was effective in 25 (83.3%) patients vs. 20 (66.7%) patients in adapalene group (p>0.05).   Conclusion It was found that TCA is more efficacious and adapalene is safer.   Key words Adapalene, trichloroacetic acid, efficacy, safety, molluscum contagiosum.