Molluscum Contagiosum is caused by a viral infection of the skin. The condition is limited to the skin and does not spread through the blood, but from direct contact with an infected area.
It is a very common condition that can affect both adults and children. Children with eczema is especially susceptible to infection. The eczematous areas itself are often involved.
Molluscum Contagiosum always clears up by itself eventually, but can be distressing and unsightly while it is still present. Most people therefore prefer to treat it anyway.
It is very important to choose a treatment option with no significant risk of scarring. Liquid nitrogen therapy (freezing) and surgical removal (curetting) both have a risk of leaving a scar. Aldara treatment takes weeks to months to complete and is not always successful.
On balance, Cantharidin application seems to be the treatment of choice for Molluscum Contagiosum. It is painless to apply and heals without scarring. The reason that it heals without scarring is because Cantharidin does not affect the dermis, only the epidermis.
After application a small blister will form within 24-48 hours. This blister lifts the Molluscum off the underlying dermis. A small scab will then form and the healing process is normally complete in 7-10 days.
The procedure for treating warts with Cantharidin is similar, except that certain warts should be shaved or pared down before application of Cantharidin.
My face has flat warts on it’s spreading. I have tried various treatments including lazer. Will Cantharidine help?
Also, if flat warts has got to do with your immune system (internally)–wont they return after using Cantharidine?
Dear Shameema. They can yes, but often the treatment exposes the wart particles to your immune system. This can then result in immunity.
It is a good option.
My son 6yrs old had a Liver transplant and is thus on Immunosupressants. He has a few Moluscum which I would like to prevent it from spreading. Please could you let me have more information on the drug used so that I can check with his mediclal professionals if he would be allowed to come for treatments.
He had it very bad all over his face and upper torso last year but after he contracted chicken pox they healed up luckily. I am scared they will return like before and want to stop them.
Dear Merrick. I have emailed a document to you.
Is Cantharidin safe for use on a 2 year old child, 1 molluscum contagiosum wart in the center of her forehead? As a parent, we are trying to balance the risk of scarring vs trying to quickly eliminate the molluscum contagiosum from spreading. We used differin on our 4 year old, and 10 months later she still has it. But it is on her legs and we keep it covered to reduce the spread. But as you know, keeping the forehead covered is difficult on a 2 year old, even using a bandaid. Thus we just really are looking for reassurance that scarring would be minimal. And if any scarring did occur, could it be corrected with some form of cosmetic or laser surgery? Thanks, a concerned parent.
Dear Jeff. Catharidin itself does not cause scarring. It causes a split between the epidermis and the dermis. Molluscum grows in the epidermis and therefore “lifts” off when the split occurs. For scarring to occur there must be dermal damage. Dermal damage from Catharidin is extremely unlikely, but you will have to make sure that the area is not scratched. Scratching can easily lead to scarring, because of dermal damage.
Dear Dr. Louw, My face has flat warts which makes my face really bad. I’m not sure if i should do Wart Immunotherapy or Cantharidin for molluscum & warts. I would like to know how much will it cost per the above options.
Regards
Veliswa
021-9314153
Dear Veliswa. Both Molluscum and Flat Warts are best treated with Cantharidine. The cost depends on the number of lesions you have, but if you have many, it would cost around R700 per session.