Molluscum Contagiosum

• Can be spread by direct contact, including sexual contact

• Often spread to other body parts by scratching or during baths

• There is a case for reassuring parents and waiting for spontaneous resolution

• Avoid using the bath, esp. with siblings

Treatment options

• Liquid nitrogen (a few secs)

• Application of 15% podophyllin

• Application of 30% trichloracetic acid

• Ether soap and friction method

• Lifting open the tip with a sterile needle inserted from the side (parallel to the skin) and applying 10% povidone-iodine (Betadine) solution (parents can be shown this method and continue to use it at home for multiple tumours)

• Cover with a piece of Micropore tape or Leukosilk—change every day after showering (may take several months)

• For large areas, aluminium acetate (Burow’s solution 1:30) applied bd can be effective