Kara Capriotti

Onychomycosis treated with a dilute povidone–iodine/dimethyl sulfoxide preparation

Background Povidone–iodine (PVP-I) 10% aqueous solution is a well-known, nontoxic, commonly used topical antiseptic with no reported incidence of fungal resistance. We have been using a low-dose formulation of 1% PVP-I (w/w) in a solution containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in our clinical practice for a variety of indications. Presented here is our clinical experience with this novel formulation in a severe case of onychomycosis that was resistant to any other treatment. Findings A 49-year-old woman who had been suffering from severe onychomycosis for years presented after failing to find any remedy including over the counter (OTC), topical, and systemic oral prescribed therapies. Conclusion The topical povidone–iodine/DMSO system was very effective in this case at alleviating the signs and symptoms of onychomycosis. This novel combination warrants further investigation in randomized, controlled trials to further elucidate its clinical utility.

Molluscum Contagiosum Viral Infection Treated With a Dilute Povidone-Iodine/Dimethylsulfoxide Preparation.

IntroductionMolluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin that is spread from direct contact, either via person to person by touching affected lesions or innocuously via fomites. The condition is often socially stigmatizing, motivating patients to seek treatment. There are many anecdotal remedies, but none have been overwhelmingly effective in controlled clinical trials.Case ReportA 16-year-old girl presented with approximately 75 lesions on her inner thighs as a result of friction from an athletic uniform. She tried over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and topical steroids for several weeks without improvement, and was concerned at the rate of spread of the lesions, along with the social implications.ConclusionThe topical povidone-iodine/dimethylsulfoxide system is very effective in eradicating molluscum contagiosum. This novel combination warrants further investigation in randomized, controlled trials to further elucidate its clinical utility.

Rosacea Blepharoconjunctivitis Treated with a Novel Preparation of Dilute Povidone Iodine and Dimethylsulfoxide: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

IntroductionPovidone iodine (PVP-I) 10% aqueous solution is a commonly utilized anti-septic employed for sterilization of the ocular surface prior to interventional procedures. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a well-known skin penetration agent scarcely utilized in ophthalmic drug formulations. We describe here a low-dose formulation of 1% PVP-I (w/w) in a gel containing DMSO for use in the setting of recalcitrant rosacea blepharoconjunctivitis. A review of the ocular uses of dimethylsulfoxide is also presented.Case reportA 78-year-old male presented with chronic, long-standing blepharitis involving both the anterior and posterior lid margins. Posterior lid and skin inflammatory changes were consistent with ocular rosacea. Previous oral and topical therapies had been largely ineffective at controlling his condition.ConclusionThe topical PVP-I/DMSO system was effective in abating the signs and symptoms of rosacea blepharoconjunctivitis. Further investigation of this novel agent is warranted.

Chemotherapy-associated paronychia treated with 2% povidone–iodine: a series of cases

Background Nail changes are known to occur during the use of chemotherapy for a variety of malignancies, particularly those treated with taxanes and EGFR inhibitors. There are currently no actively recruiting prospective clinical trials investigating potential treatments. There are also no US Food and Drug Administration-approved medical treatments for chemotherapy-associated paronychia and no consensus on the best way to treat these common chemotherapy-induced events. Methods A retrospective review of all cases presenting to a single dermatology private practice from June 2016 to January 2017 identified nine patients with chemotherapy-associated paronychia seeking treatment. Each patient was prescribed a topical solution comprised of 2% povidone–iodine in a dimethylsulfoxide vehicle that was prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy. Patients were seen at 3 week and 6 week follow-up visits. Results All 9/9 patients demonstrated complete or partial resolution. The number of nails involved for each patient ranged from 4–12. There were a total of 58 nails affected in the case series, and 44/58 (76%) resolved overall. The treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion The topical povidone–iodine/dimethylsufoxide solution described is very effective in alleviating the signs and symptoms of paronychia associated with chemotherapy. This novel combination warrants further investigation in randomized, controlled trials to further elucidate its clinical utility.

Demodex Blepharitis Treated with a Novel Dilute Povidone-Iodine and DMSO System: A Case Report

IntroductionPovidone-iodine aqueous solution is an antiseptic commonly used in ophthalmology for treatment of the ocular surface. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a well-known skin penetration enhancer that is scarcely utilized in ophthalmic drug formulations. We describe here a low-dose formulation of 0.25% PVP-I in a gel containing DMSO for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.Case ReportA 95-year-old female presented with chronic blepharitis involving both the anterior and posterior eyelid margins. The anterior eyelid margins demonstrated pathognomonic features consistent with Demodex infection, and this diagnosis was confirmed with microscopy. Previous traditional therapies had been ineffective at controlling her signs and symptoms.ConclusionThe topical PVP-I/DMSO system was effective at treating the signs and symptoms of Demodex blepharitis. Further investigation of the novel agent is warranted.

Chemotherapy-associated paronychia treated with a dilute povidone-iodine/ dimethylsulfoxide preparation

Background Nail changes associated with chemotherapy in general, and particularly with taxane and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-based regimens, are common presentations in our clinical population. Currently, there are no consensuses about therapies supported by clinical trials nor are there any US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for this indication. Findings A 42-year-old woman with stage 2A breast cancer presented to our clinic with chemotherapy-induced paronychia. Symptoms were severe enough that cessation of chemotherapy was being considered. The patient’s chemotherapy regimen included doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and docetaxel. Conclusion The topical povidone-iodine/dimethylsulfoxide system is very effective in alleviating the signs and symptoms of severe paronychia associated with chemotherapy. This novel combination warrants further investigation in randomized, controlled trials to further elucidate its clinical utility.