Molluscum Contagiosum Is Not a Harry Potter Spell
“Molluscum contagiosum” does sound like something Harry Potter might say just before he casts a spell on you. But molluscum contagiosum (or “molluscum” for short) is in no way exotic, in fact it is one of the most common reasons for a child to see a pediatric dermatologist. We see it daily in our practice. But it can be a source of confusion, frustration, and even fear for the child and their parents. Actually, children are not really bothered much by their molluscum, but it can drive parents crazy.
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Pediatricians sometimes tell parents that molluscum are “childhood warts”, and that is not a bad way to describe them. Like warts, they are caused by a virus (but a different virus). Like warts, they are contagious and they are transmitted through direct contact. The lesions also look a little bit like warts, but warts are rough, while molluscum are smooth dome-shaped little bumps, often with a dell in the center.
Why didn’t I catch it from my child?
Molluscum contagiosum is extremely contagious (hence the name) and can spread like wildfire to other young children or to other parts of a child’s body. But it is mainly a disease of children under the age of 10. Parents and older siblings (and dermatologists) who have close contact with the infected child almost never seem to “catch” the molluscum. The more mature immune system of an adult prevents this.
Molluscum in Adults
There is an exception to this age limit for molluscum. In adults, we mainly see molluscum in the genital area, where it is a sexually transmitted disease (much like genital warts).
Molluscum Treatment Options
There are a number of treatment options for molluscum contagiosum, however, the our favourite treatment for molluscum contagiosum is known as the Beetlejuice treatment. Below we give a breakdown of the beetlejuice treatment for molluscum contagiosum as well as other less effective but available options.
Treating Molluscum with “Beetlejuice” (aka Cantharone)
This treatment is our favorite because it is effective, and it does not hurt. The real name of the medicine is Cantharone, and it is in fact “beetle-juice” as it is derived from the blister beetle. We use a Q-tip to painlessly apply the medicine in the office to several molluscum. By the next day, a small blister will form wherever we put the medicine. Cantharone can only be administered by a physician. And it is not necessary to treat every lesion.
The idea is that it works in two ways:
1) First, the blister lifts the molluscum off the skin and when the blister falls off, so does the molluscum.
2) Second, it creates inflammation. Presumably, this inflammation draws the attention of the immune system to the molluscum. Eventually, the immune system “wakes up” and clears the virus. Evidence of this is seen in children who have hundreds of molluscum. We treat 4 or 5 molluscum at a time every 3 to 4 weeks and after several treatments and gradual improvement, they all suddenly disappear (even the ones we did not treat) practically overnight.
For First Time Beetjuice Users
Some children react more than others to cantherone (we want a little painless blisters, and NOT several large painful blisters). . . therefore we limit the first treatment to 2 or 3 lesions AND we ask that you wash it off in 2 to 3 hours (simply bathe your child and use soap and water) If a painful blister occurs – you can use a clean needle to gently prick and deflate it (but do not pull it off) OR come in, and we will do it for you, and if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call us.
How Many Beetlejuice Treatments Are Needed for Molluscum Contagiosum?
This is a bit unpredictable because we are at the mercy of the child’s immune system. We irritate a few molluscum each time we treat in order to recruit the child’s immune system to recognize and clear the virus. Some children clear quickly, others require several treatments (i.e. several months). We typically re-treat every 2 to 4 weeks.
Other Molluscum Treatment Options
Cryotherapy for Molluscum
It is effective, but it hurts, so we do not use it on children. Beetlejuice is a better, painless alternative that is just as good.
Curetting (“scraping”) them off
Although this method does work to remove molluscum it is painful, scary, and unnecessary.
Aldara
Expensive and not very effective.
Anything you see advertised on the INTERNET for use at home. Don’t bother wasting your money.
