Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum with Topical Tretinoin Therapy / 대한피부과학회지

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.