Treatment of Focal Epithelial Hyperplasia with Topical Imiquimod: Report of Three Cases

• Published in: Pediatric dermatology Vol. 26; no. 4; pp. 465 - 468
• Main Authors: Yasar, Sirin, Mansur, Ayse Tulin, Serdar, Zehra Asiran, Goktay, Fatih, Aslan, Canan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-07-2009; Wiley
• Subjects: Adjuvants, Immunologic - administration & dosage; Adjuvants, Immunologic - adverse effects; Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Aminoquinolines - administration & dosage; Aminoquinolines - adverse effects; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatology; Female; Focal Epithelial Hyperplasia - drug therapy; Focal Epithelial Hyperplasia - pathology; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Medical sciences; Treatment Outcome; Immunomodulator; Pediatrics; Local administration; Treatment; Dermatology; Imiquimod; Hyperplasia; Antiviral
• ISSN: 0736-8046; 1525-1470
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2009.00954.x

:  Focal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck disease) is a rare disorder caused by specific types of HPV. It mainly involves oral mucosa and children are affected more frequently. It may persist for years, producing a significant reduction in quality of life. Several treatment modalities such as surgical excision, laser ablation, cryotherapy, electrocauterization, topical, intralesional, systemic interferon, and systemic retinoic acid have been used with inconsistent results and many side effects. Here we report three children of Turkish origin with focal epithelial hyperplasia successfully treated with imiquimod 5% cream. No serious side effects were observed and recurrence did not occur during the 1‐year follow‐up period.