The common coffee stirrer as a perfect application tool for imiquimod

Received on: 21/11/2011
Approved on: 18/08/2015
Financial support: None
Conflict of interest: None

Abstract

The proper application of topical medications is a key factor in their effectiveness. The common coffee stirrer with rounded edges: an ideal application tool for imiquimod.

Keywords: IMMUNOMODULATION; CARCINOMA, BASAL CELL; BOWEN'S DISEASE

Imiquimod is a topical immunomodulator used as an alternative^1,2 or adjuvant treatment to surgical³ and cryosurgical⁴ treatment of skin cancer. It has typically been used on a treatment basis of four days a week for 16 weeks.

It is usually applied to the treated area using the fingertips. Nevertheless, this application method is not 100% accurate in that some product residue can reach the subungual region, complicating its removal and even causing inflammation. Applying the product by finger on small or periorificial lesions can be difficult, leading to a waste of product and the risk of getting it in contact with the eyelashes and conjunctiva. Excessive eye irritation can reduce treatment adherence in patients.

Alternatively, a domestic application tool - a flexible swab - can be used, however the cotton is absorbent and may at the same time remove the medication, and often leave fragments of cotton bits, which may cause a foreign body reaction.

The ideal applicators are not absorbent, however they must necessarily be accurate, disposable, safe, and inexpensive. The authors of this paper therefore suggest that the common coffee stirrer (with a rounded edge tip) has the potential to become the perfect application tool for imiquimod (Figure 1).

 

References

1. Garcia-Martin E, Gil-Arribas LM, Idoipe M, Alfaro J, Pueyo V, Pablo LE, et al. Comparison of imiquimod 5% cream versus radiotherapy as treatment for eyelid basal cell carcinoma. Br J Ophthalmol 2011;95(10):1393-6.

2. Carneiro RC, de Macedo EMS, Matayoshi S. Imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of periocular Basal cell carcinoma. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 2010.;26(2):100-2.

3. Thissen MR, Kuijpers DI, Krekels GA. Local immune modulator (imiquimod 5% cream) as adjuvant treatment after incomplete Mohs micrographic surgery for large, mixed type basal cell carcinoma: a report of 3 cases. J Drugs Dermatol. 2006;5(5):461-4.

4. Gaitanis G, Kalogeropoulos C, Bassukas ID. Imiquimod can be combined with cryosurgery (immunocryosurgery) for locally advanced periocular basal cell carcinomas. Br J Ophthalmol 2011;95(6):890-2.

 

This study was carried out at the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP) - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.