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Molluscum Contagiosum Topics

Molluscum Contagiosum - Treatment Overview

Treatment for molluscum contagiosum is not always needed because most bumps will go away within 2 to 4 months, although they may last longer. But if bumps are visible or embarrassing, or in order to prevent their spread, you may want them removed. Removal or other treatment is recommended for bumps in the genital area.

Treatment varies depending on your age and health and the location of the bumps. There has been little research on how well any of the treatments work or how they compare to each other.⁵

Nonprescription treatment includes:

Salicylic acid. You apply this nonprescription medicine directly to the bumps. It is usually not painful and is often regarded as the first treatment to try.⁴

Self-administered prescription medicine includes:

Imiquimod, a form of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy triggers your immune system to fight the virus causing the skin growth. Imiquimod is applied 3 times a week, left on the skin for 6 to 10 hours, and washed off. A course may last from 4 to 16 weeks. Small studies have shown that it is successful about 80% of the time.⁶
Topical medicines such as podofilox (Condylox) and tretinoin (Avita, Renova). These medicines are put directly on the bumps. Podofilox is more often used in the treatment of genital warts.

Treatment by your doctor includes:

Manual extrusion. Viral material is removed by squeezing the bumps with fingers or a forceps. This is done carefully by a doctor to avoid scarring and to keep the infection from spreading.
Curettage. The viral material in the center of the bump is scraped out. A local or topical anesthetic can be used to numb the area. A small scraping instrument called a curette is used to quickly remove the bumps. This procedure is very effective and not too painful. It may cause scarring.
Topical medicines. Your doctor applies a chemical to the bumps. This destroys the top layers of the skin, allowing a new layer to form. When the chemical is applied, you may feel a burning sensation. Side effects may include mild scarring. How often and how long the chemical is applied will vary. Chemicals used include trichloroacetic acid, podophyllin resin, potassium hydroxide, and cantharidin. Trichloroacetic acid is often used in people with a weak immune system. Cantharidin causes the bumps to blister and go away. It may cause pain as the blister develops. Cantharidin is considered safe and effective.⁷
Cryotherapy. The bump is frozen with liquid nitrogen. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the area. The liquid nitrogen is sprayed or applied with a cotton-tip applicator for 5 or more seconds. This procedure usually is not too painful, is not as likely as curettage to cause scarring, and usually is effective. Often, more than one treatment is needed.
Laser surgery. Bumps can be removed through laser surgery.

Treatment for children

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 24, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.