Molluscs contagiosum are the product of infection by a virus. They manifest as papules (‘pimples’) scattered over the trunk and limbs. They are very common in children who, although not constantly, usually practice swimming. Initially, they tend to go unnoticed or are interpreted as simple ‘pimples’ without major importance, since they do not cause discomfort. Usually, more lesions appear in weeks and attract attention.
The classic and most practiced therapeutic option consists of curettage with a teaspoon, after applying an anesthetic cream. It should be said that it is a valid treatment when there are few lesions and the patient collaborates with the doctor, although in our experience there are effective and completely painless alternatives that we prefer. Curettage is usually poorly tolerated by the patient and their parents, and usually leaves unsightly scars that can be avoided.
It is possible to resolve these lesions by applying an astringent lotion that favors their natural disappearance thanks to the action of the patient’s own immune system which, when recognizing the virus, eliminates it.
Bibliographic references
van der Wouden JC, van der Sande R, van Suijlekom-Smit LW, Berger M, Butler CC, Koning S. Interventions for cutaneous molluscum contagiosum. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Oct 7; (4).
Coloe J, Burkhart CN, Morrell DS. Molluscum contagiosum: what’s new and true? Pediatr Ann. 2009 Jun; 38(6):321-5.