HYPERFOCAL CRYOTHERAPY OF MULTIPLE MOLLUSCUM-CONTAGIOSUM LESIONS IN PATIENTS WITH THE ACQUIRED-IMMUNE-DEFICIENCY-SYNDROME

Background: Patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome are at risk for the development of multiple lesions of Molluscum contagios um on the eyelids, In this setting, traditional methods of treatment f requently are ineffective and pose risks to the patient as well as to the treating physician. Methods: A technique was developed that combin ed lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthesia with hyperfocal cryotherapy . Twelve patients with multiple M. contagiosum lesions of the eyelids were treated. Initially, two methods were used: one application for 30 seconds or two applications for 20 seconds. Results: Lesions treated with two 20-second applications regressed. Most of those lesions treat ed for 30 seconds regressed. No scarring, lash complications, ptosis, or damage to the underlying cornea or deeper ocular structures was obs erved in any patient. Conclusions: Hyperfocal cryotherapy is an effect ive therapy for multiple M. contagiosum lesions of the periorbital reg ion, posing minimal risk to the patient and physician. It is particula rly useful in patients who are positive for the human immunodeficiency virus, who frequently have multiple lesions, are likely to have recur rent disease, and who pose risks of disease transmission to the medica l personnel caring for them.