Caused by the mollusciopox virus, which is a member of the poxviridae family, Molluscum Contagiosum is a common viral infection of the skin. It is more common in children and immuno-deficient people though average adults are also affected by the virus. For those whose immune system is otherwise competent, specific treatment for molluscum contagiosum is not mandatory though children may be treated in order to keep away from secondary infections.

• Cryosurgery consists of application of liquid nitrogen, dry ice or Frigiderm to each individual lesion for few seconds. This treatment may need to be repeated for 2 to 3 weeks. However this may lead to scarring.
• Evisceration involves removal of the lesion with the help of a scalpel or some such sharp instrument that is capable of removing the umbelicated core. Though simple, this method is rather painful for small children. So it is better avoided for them at least.
• Curettage is a method of removal that may be done with or without light electrodessication. But the method is definitely painful and prior local anesthesia is necessary to perform the operation. However this method has the added advantage of providing tissue sample to confirm diagnosis.
• Tape stripping involves the use of adhesive tape where the glue-side of the tape is repeatedly applied to remove from lesion for several cycles. As a result, the superficial epidermis from the top of the lesion is removed. Using the same tap side may, however, help spread the virus to uninvolved adjacent skin.
• Podophyllin and Podofilox involves a 25% suspension in tincture of benzolin or alcohol, and this is applied once a week. Some amount of precaution is necessary. It contains two mutagents, quercetin and kaempherol that have severe erosive side effects in the adjacent normal skin, causing peripheral neuropathy, renal damage, etc. Podofilox on the other hand is comparatively safer.
• Cantharidin has been used (0.9% solution of collodian and acetone) with success for the treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum for a pretty long time. Applied carefully to the dome of the lesion, this blister-inducing agent is left in place for 3 to 4 hours and then washed off. However, it should not be used on the face.
• Iodine solution and Salycylic acid plaster is usually placed on the molluscum papules (10% iodine solution) and when it becomes dry, the site is covered with 50% salicylic acid plaster and tape. The process has to be repeated daily after taking the bath. Then comes the crucial time as the lesions become erythematous when only the iodine solution is applied.
• Tretinoin 0.1% cream has been used in the treatment of the Molluscum Contagiosum virus during the last few years. It works when applied twice daily for about 10 days.
• Cimetdine has been used successfully (oral) for the MCV. Here the histamine 2 receptor antagonist stimulates delayed-type hypersensitivity.
• Potassium Hydroxide is yet another oral option for the treatment of MCV. A study in pediatric patients recommended use of 5% KOH that was found to be quite effective and with fewer side effects.
• Pulsed dye Laser for treatment of MCV has been documented with good results. It is well tolerated, leaves no scars or pigment anomalies but is expensive.