Self-administered topical 5% imiquimod for the treatment of common warts and molluscum contagiosum

Background Despite numerous therapeutic options the treatment of common war ts and molluscum contagiosum remains unsatisfactory for both patients and p hysicians. Imiquimod, a novel topical immune response modifier, has been su ccessfully used for the treatment of external anogenital warts. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerance and efficacy of imiqu imod for the treatment of common cutaneous warts and mollusca that were res istant to previous therapeutic interventions. Methods Imiquimod 5% cream was self-applied by the patients to the warts or mollusca once daily for 5 days per week and left in place overnight. Asses sment for response and the occurrence of side-effects was performed every 4 weeks until clinical cure or up to a maximum of 16 weeks. Results Twenty-eight of 50 (56%) patients with warts achieved a total clear ance (n = 15; 30%) or a > 50% reduction in wart size (n = 13; 26%) after a mean treatment period of 9.2 weeks. Twelve of 15 (80%) patients with mollus ca achieved a total clearance (n = 8; 53%) or a > 50% reduction in molluscu m size (n = 4; 27%). There was no difference in response with regard to gen der, human immunodeficiency virus serostatus or atopic predisposition. Conclusions Patient-applied 5% imiquimod cream holds promise as an effectiv e treatment of common warts and mollusca in a difficult-to-treat patient po pulation.