Therapeutics for molluscum contagiosum?

Therapeutics for molluscum contagiosum?

• A. Cantharidin, topical retinoids
• B. Oral antibiotics
• C. Antifungal creams
• D. Immunotherapy with interferon

Answer: (A)

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum centers on removing or destroying the lesions and promoting shedding of infected keratinocytes, since it’s a self-limited viral skin infection. Cantharidin is a clinician-applied blistering agent that targets each lesion, creating a controlled blister and leading to clearance of the infected epidermis. It’s practical for multiple lesions and typically well tolerated when used properly. Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, help normalize keratinocyte differentiation and increase turnover, aiding gradual clearance of lesions over weeks to months. Together, these approaches address the viral lesions directly and are appropriate for managed, local therapy. In contrast, oral antibiotics don’t treat the virus unless there’s a secondary bacterial infection, and antifungal creams target fungi, not a poxvirus. Immunotherapy with interferon is not a standard or effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum in routine practice due to limited benefit and potential side effects.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum centers on removing or destroying the lesions and promoting shedding of infected keratinocytes, since it’s a self-limited viral skin infection. Cantharidin is a clinician-applied blistering agent that targets each lesion, creating a controlled blister and leading to clearance of the infected epidermis. It’s practical for multiple lesions and typically well tolerated when used properly. Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, help normalize keratinocyte differentiation and increase turnover, aiding gradual clearance of lesions over weeks to months. Together, these approaches address the viral lesions directly and are appropriate for managed, local therapy.

In contrast, oral antibiotics don’t treat the virus unless there’s a secondary bacterial infection, and antifungal creams target fungi, not a poxvirus. Immunotherapy with interferon is not a standard or effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum in routine practice due to limited benefit and potential side effects.