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Background/Objective To study the effects and safety of cantharidin in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum. Methods We conducted a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical cantharidin for treatment of pediatric molluscum contagiosum in an academic ambulatory care center. Twenty-nine children aged 5–10 with the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum were enrolled to receive treatment with cantharidin or placebo. The main outcome measure was complete clearance of molluscum lesions. Results In contrast to previous retrospective observational studies, the performance of cantharidin treatment over 2 months was not substantially better than the performance of placebo. Limitations The scope of follow-up was limited to 5 visits over 2 months of treatment. In hindsight, we can hypothesize that a longer follow up period may have captured a greater effect of cantharidin. Conclusion We conclude that during a 2 month period, the magnitude of the cantharidin treatment effects in the target population are, at best, not large. This study provided objective unbiased estimates of the magnitude of cantharidin treatment effects and provided important prospective safety data. Our subjects experienced minimal side effects when treated with cantharidin.

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Background: Cutaneous involvement by Hodgkin lymphoma is extremely rare and usually follows extensive involvement of the lymph nodes. Cutaneous manifestations of Hodgkin lymphoma may be divided into specific and non-specific. Generalized pruritus is one of the most common non-specific presentations of Hodgkin lymphoma as is cutaneous granulomas. Such signs and symptoms should prompt thorough physical exam, including evaluation of lymph nodes, especially in a young patient. Main observation: We report a case of a 22-year-old man who presented with night sweats, weight loss, dry cough, and generalized maculopapular eruption that started with a large patch in the center of the chest and spread to the extremities. Biopsy of the rash revealed pityriasis rosea-like findings. A computerized tomography scan of the chest revealed a mediastinal mass. Biopsy of the mediastinal mass revealed Reed-Sternberg cells in a fibrotic background, diagnostic of Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis type. Conclusion:In conclusion, the presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma as a pityriasis rosea-like cutaneous eruption is rare and clinicians should be aware of this presentation. In this paper we review the non-specific cutaneous manifestations of Hodgkin lymphoma in an effort to raise awareness of the diversity of early cutaneous signs of Hodgkin lymphoma. (J Dermatol Case Rep. 2015; 9(3): 81-84)