Modified Curettage Technique for Molluscum Contagiosum

Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum is a frequently occurring, virally induced cutaneous condition that affects infants, children, and adults. Although historically considered a self-limiting entity, many patients experience prolonged infections, often resistant to varied therapeutic interventions. Topical treatments achieve complete clearance in only a limited number of patients. Because of the associated pain, affected children are characteristically uncompliant to commonly used destructive modalities. We describe a modification of the traditional curettage technique to remove lesions of molluscum contagiosum, which has proven to be effective and well tolerated by a significant number of patients in our practice.

Comparative Study on the Efficacy, Safety, and Acceptability of Imiquimod 5% Cream versus Cryotherapy for Molluscum Contagiosum in Children

“…But, it needs to be performed with adequate anesthesia for optimal results. It is time consuming, and may not be appropriate in a busy office setting (9).…”

Curettage treatment for molluscum contagiosum: a follow-up survey study

“…Curettage is commonly used to treat MC but is commonly associated with pain and fear 2,4–6 . Among our 102 patients recruited with a clinical diagnosis of MC, six could not be included because of excessive fear before or during the curettage procedure.…”

“…2,4 One of the most commonly used therapies is removal with a sharp curette. 2,[4][5][6] In a recent prospective randomized trial, curettage was found to be more efficient and had a lower rate of side-effects than other therapeutic options, i.e. cantharidin, combination of salicylic acid and lactic acid, or imiquimod.…”

“…However, no single intervention has been shown to be convincingly effective in treating the condition 2,4 . One of the most commonly used therapies is removal with a sharp curette 2,4–6 . In a recent prospective randomized trial, curettage was found to be more efficient and had a lower rate of side‐effects than other therapeutic options, i.e.…”

Molluscum Contagiosum: Review and Update on Management

“…Curettage administered to carefully selected patients can prove beneficial in the treatment of MC lesions. The epithelial surface of the papule is opened with a needle and the viral core is scraped away (sometimes using topical local anesthesia) . Common side effects include pain, bleeding, and infection.…”