title: Treatment of facial molluscum contagiosum with trichloroacetic acid.
abstract: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) virus is a common cutaneous infection in the pediatric population, most commonly affecting school-aged children. Spontaneous clearing of lesions usually occurs over time; however, treatment is often sought due to cosmetic significance, pruritus, or concerns of transmission and autoinoculation. Chemical destruction with cantharidin, which is derived from blister beetle extract, is very safe and highly effective, making it the treatment of choice in the pediatric population. However, treatment of facial lesions or those in the diaper area are not recommended with this agent. Trichloroacetic acid is a safe and effective agent frequently utilized in dermatologic practice, most commonly in the treatment of verrucae. We have successfully used topical trichloroacetic acid to treat facial molluscum contagiousum and present the following technique for proper application.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Division of Pediatric Dermatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33125, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bard
authors.forename: Michael I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Shiman
authors.forename: Betty
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bellman
authors.forename: Elizabeth Alvarez
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Connelly
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D002424:Caustics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D002424:Caustics; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid