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J Pediatr Infect Dis 2011; 06(02): 121-123
DOI: 10.3233/JPI-2011-0306
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Cantharidin: A well-tolerated and effective therapy for Molluscum contagiosum in children

M. Rodríguez-Martín
a   Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
,
N. Merino de Paz
a   Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
,
P. Contreras Ferrer
a   Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
,
T. Virgós Aller
b   Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
,
I. González Perera
b   Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
,
B. Rodríguez Martín
c   Department of Nursery, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
,
A. Noda-Cabrera
a   Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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Publication History

27 September 2010

05 March 2011

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a frequent viral infection in paediatric population. Destructive therapies for MC are poorly tolerated in children, so in this study, we have assessed the efficacy and tolerability of a non-painful treatment intervention with topical cantharidin. A prospective case series was conducted in which 30 pediatric patients were recruited. Diagnosis of MC was made by dermatologist. Cantharidin collodion 0.2% was applied by dermatologist in an office setting, with a follow-up at 2 and 4 wk. Patients were evaluated about their experience with cantharidin and other treatments for MC (if they had been treated before). Pain experienced with cantharidin technique was measured using a visual analog scale called "Faces Pain Rating Scale." The results of this prospective study have demonstrated that cantharidin could be considered a front line therapy for MC in children.

Keywords

Therapy - viral infection - Molluscum contagiosum - cantharidin