Korean J Dermatol.  2001 Jun;39(6):666-670.

Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum with Topical Tretinoin Therapy

• Kim MS
• Chun DK
• Lee YS
• Seo SL

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Conventional treatment of molluscum contagiosum(MC) has been surgical curettage. This treatment is painful and not feasible in widespread lesions, particularly in infants and children.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated 30 children with MC for the clinical effectiveness and advantage of treatment with topical tretinoin therapy.
METHODS
Thirty children with MC visited our clinic were asked to apply the tretinoin cream to each individual lesion, and followed up for 8 to 12 weeks. During these periods the assessment of therapeutic response was performed on a biweekly basis.
RESULTS
Fifteen(50%) of 30 patients achieved complete clearance after a mean treatment period of 4.7 weeks. Partial clearance were observed in 5(16.7%) and no response in 1 children(3.3%). No patient dropped out because of the adverse effects. Twenty one children(66.7%) reported a mild itching and/or erythema, stinging, and temporary hyperpigmentation.
CONCLUSION
Therapy with treatinoin cream was found to be effective, safe, and painless in the treatment of MC in children.

Keyword

Mollucum contagiosum; Tretinoin

MeSH Terms

Bites and Stings
Child
Curettage
Erythema
Humans
Hyperpigmentation
Infant
Molluscum Contagiosum*
Pruritus
Tretinoin*
Tretinoin