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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffFor people with a normal immune system, molluscum contagiosum resolves without treatment within six to 12 months, though it can sometimes take years to disappear completely. It may take longer for the condition to disappear in children whose immune systems aren't fully developed and in adults with compromised immune systems.
Because molluscum contagiosum spreads easily, doctors often recommend medical treatment, especially for adults. Treatment for molluscum contagiosum may include removal of the papules by:
- Scraping (curettage)
- Freezing (cryotherapy)
- Laser therapy
These treatments can be painful, so a topical anesthetic can be prescribed before these procedures to lessen discomfort.
Topical medications that are used to remove warts and to treat acne and psoriasis also may be helpful in removing the papules. Sometimes a combination of these treatments may be used.
Treating associated dermatitis
Although molluscum contagiosum typically doesn't cause itching, some people develop dermatitis or eczema around the papules. Treatment for itching caused by dermatitis may include over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone creams or ointments, or prescription topical steroids. However, these medications should be applied only to the areas of dermatitis and not to the molluscum contagiosum papules.
Treatment for people with a weak immune system
The disorder may be progressive and more extensive for people with certain skin disorders, such as atopic eczema, or for those with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or AIDS. People with weakened immune systems should seek professional treatment for molluscum contagiosum.
- Molluscum contagiosum. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch122/ch122b.html?qt=molluscum%20contagiosum&alt=sh. Accessed Nov. 28, 2009.
- Wynnis T, et al. Molluscipoxvirus infection: Molluscum contagiosum. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008.
- Aziz N, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases in pregnancy. In: Klausner JD, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2007.
- An overview of molluscum contagiosum. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/molluscum/overview.htm. Accessed Dec. 1, 2009.
- Clinical information: Molluscum contagiosum. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/molluscum/clinical_overview.htm. Accessed Dec. 1, 2009.
- Recommendations: Patients with molluscum contagiosum and swimming pool safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/molluscum/swimming/swimming_recommendations.htm. Accessed Dec. 1, 2009.
- Scheinfeld N. Treatment of molluscum contagiosum: A brief review and discussion of a case successfully treated with adapelene. Dermatology Online Journal. 2007;13:15. http://dermatology.cdlib.org/133/case_reports/molluscum/scheinfeld.html. Accessed Dec. 1, 2009.
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