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Molluscum contagiosum - Management
Basis for recommendation
These recommendations are based on pragmatism and expert opinion from review articles [Guirguis-Blake, 2006; Lio, 2007; Nelson and Morrell, 2007]:
- Most people do not require treatment, as lesions will usually resolve within 1–2 years, and do not limit activities or cause symptoms.
- No treatments are licensed in the UK for treating molluscum contagiosum [BASHH, 2008].
- CKS did not identify any randomized controlled trials comparing treatments with watchful waiting. A Cochrane review concluded there was insufficient evidence to determine whether treatments are effective [van der Wouden et al, 2006]. In addition, there is no evidence that treatment prevents spread of infection, and the approaches used can be painful and lead to scarring.
- Eczematous reactions are common, especially in children with atopy [Hanna et al, 2006; Lio, 2007]. Leaving eczema untreated could result in further scratching, spread of the virus, and persistence of the infection [Sladden and Johnston, 2004].
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