From the Guidelines
Treatment of symptomatic molluscum contagiosum should prioritize physical destruction methods, such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, due to their efficacy and relatively low risk of complications, as supported by recent studies 1. When considering treatment options, it's essential to weigh the benefits and risks of each approach. Physical destruction methods, including cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, are often preferred due to their effectiveness in removing lesions and reducing the risk of transmission.
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is a commonly used treatment for molluscum contagiosum, particularly for lesions that are cosmetically bothersome or occur in sensitive areas 1.
- Incision and curettage, simple excision, and excision with cautery are also viable options, especially for patients with multiple lesions or those who are immunocompromised 1.
- Topical treatments, such as cantharidin, may be considered for patients who are not good candidates for physical destruction methods or have mild cases of the disease 1. It's crucial to note that most cases of molluscum contagiosum will resolve spontaneously within 6-12 months, so watchful waiting may be a reasonable approach for patients with limited lesions or those who are asymptomatic 1.
- Patients should be advised to avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and clothing, and to cover lesions to prevent transmission to others.
- Referral to a dermatologist may be necessary for patients with suspicious lesions or those who require further evaluation and treatment.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Symptomatic Molluscum Contagiosum
The treatment of molluscum contagiosum can vary depending on the severity and location of the lesions, as well as the patient's overall health. Some common treatment options include:
- Destructive therapies such as curettage, cryotherapy, and cantharidin 2
- Immunomodulators like imiquimod, cimetidine, and Candida antigen 2
- Antivirals such as cidofovir 2
- Pulsed dye laser treatment, which has been shown to be effective in treating molluscum contagiosum with minimal side effects 3, 4, 5
Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment
Pulsed dye laser treatment has been studied as a potential treatment option for molluscum contagiosum. The benefits of this treatment include:
- High success rate, with 96.3% of lesions healing after the first treatment and the remaining 3.7% after the second treatment 3
- Minimal side effects, with no scars or pigment anomalies observed 3
- Quick and easy treatment, with the ability to treat multiple lesions in a single session 3, 4, 5
- Well-tolerated by patients, including young children 3, 4
Other Treatment Options
Other treatment options for molluscum contagiosum include:
- Cantharidin, which is a common treatment option for molluscum contagiosum and can be effective in treating lesions 2
- Potassium hydroxide, salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and retinoids, which have been used to treat molluscum contagiosum but may have varying degrees of success 6
- Cryotherapy and curettage, which can be effective in treating individual lesions but may require multiple sessions and can be painful 6, 4