To Treat Molluscum Contagiosum or Not-Curettage: An Effective, Well-Accepted Treatment Modality.
OBJECTIVE
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral disease primarily affecting children. The objective was to compare the effectiveness of curettage as a treatment modality for MC with no treatment.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective study of 2,022 children with MC between 2008 and 2012. Epidemiologic, clinical, and treatment data, including effectiveness, safety, and satisfaction, were reviewed.


RESULTS
Fifty-six percent of the children were 2 to 5 years of age. The duration of the infection was 1 to 2 years for 51%, less than 1 year for 32%, and more than 2 years for 17% of the children. Seventy percent of the children were self-referrals; 86% had had a previous examination and 76% of those had been advised not to treat the infection. The disease was mild (22%), moderate (64%), or severe (14%). A total of 1,879 patients underwent curettage; 70% were cured after one treatment and 26% after two treatments. Satisfaction was high: 97% of children and parents.


CONCLUSIONS
Active treatment should be offered despite the fact that MC is self-limiting. Curettage in an appropriate setting is very effective, with high patient satisfaction and fast cure rates.
Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Avikam
A
Harel
Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.|Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Ana Maria
AM
Kutz
Department of Dermatology and Reference Centre for Genodermatoses and Rare Skin Diseases, Institut Imagine, Groupe Hospitalier Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
Smail
S
Hadj-Rabia
Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.|Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Jacob
J
Mashiah
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003475:Curettage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000628:therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome