Papule Removal

• One way to treat children with molluscum contagiosum is to remove the papules from the skin. Removing the papules helps prevent the condition from spreading to other areas of the body and to other people. Several options are available to remove the papules, including many methods that are similar to wart removal. Laser therapy; cryotherapy, which involves freezing the affected skin; and scraping all are effective treatment options. These procedures generally are not too painful, but doctors often will administer a topical anesthetic to the area before beginning.
  
  

Medication

• Several topical medications can also be prescribed to help treat kids with molluscum. In some cases, topical medications are a preferred treatment method for children, who may be afraid of other removal procedures. Among the topical medications available are cantharidin, imiquimod, cimetidine, trichloroacetic acid and podophyllotoxin cream. Oral cimetidine, a drug normally prescribed to treat heartburn and ulcers, has been found effective in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum, but it has not yet received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat the condition. It is, however, commonly prescribed as an off-label use. Some topical medications need to be applied by a doctor, and others can be applied at home by parents, so be sure to discuss all treatment options with your doctor before deciding which in right for you.
  
  

Immunosuppressed Patients

• Most children and adults will fully recover from molluscum contagiosum even if no treatment is received, but prompt treatment is more important for people with compromised immune systems. Patients with conditions such as HIV infection and AIDS need to receive medical treatment for the condition so it does not progress to a more serious condition. People with compromised immune systems do not usually respond well to the most common treatments for molluscum contagiosum. The most effective treatment option for this population is using medical treatments and therapies to boost the immune system.