Affiliations: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de
Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain | Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Universitario de
Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain | Department of Nursery, Hospital Universitario de
Canarias, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Marina Rodríguez Martín,
Department of Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de
Canarias, Ofra s/n. La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 38320, Canary Islands,
Spain. Tel.: +34 22 678494; Fax: +34 22 319293; E-mail: marinarm@gmail.com
Abstract: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a frequent viral infection in
paediatric population. Destructive therapies for MC are poorly tolerated in
children, so in this study, we have assessed the efficacy and tolerability of a
non-painful treatment intervention with topical cantharidin. A prospective case
series was conducted in which 30 pediatric patients were recruited.
Diagnosis of MC was made by dermatologist. Cantharidin collodion 0.2% was
applied by dermatologist in an office setting, with a follow-up at 2 and 4 wk.
Patients were evaluated about their experience with cantharidin and other
treatments for MC (if they had been treated before). Pain experienced with
cantharidin technique was measured using a visual analog scale called "Faces
Pain Rating Scale." The results of this prospective study have demonstrated
that cantharidin could be considered a front line therapy for MC in
children.
