Diagnosis
The lesions are distinctive and clinical diagnosis is typical. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a skin scraping and microscopic evaluation.
Treatment
In children, the infection is usually self-limiting and often resolves in about a year. In patients with AIDS, who are particularly susceptible to molluscum, the eruption can be resistant to treatment.
Treatment modalities range from painless medicated drops applied in the physician's office, to liquid nitrogen (a very cold spray that freezes the papules), to scraping off the top of the lesions. Some people respond to applying a prescription medication, tretinoin (Retin A®, Avita®), daily to each papule with a toothpick. A prescription immune-stimulating cream, imiquimod (Aldara®), has been shown to be effective as well.
Prevention
The only preventive measure is avoiding contact with infected skin and contaminated objects.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Sep 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
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