HomeAnswersDermatologymolluscum contagiosumCryotherapy for Molluscum contagiosum. How to eliminate it?

Which treatment options can help a person get rid of Molluscum contagiosum completely?

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Published At July 3, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 28 years old female who has been battling with molluscum contagiosum for two years. It comes and goes but my dermatologist has only used cryotherapy as treatment. I want to know is there any way to to completely kill the virus off? I asked my dermatologist she said not really. I am very tired of this. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Gaurang Gupta

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your first query consult is on us!

I have gone through your query. I think, generally young adults should be evaluated for concomitant sexually transmitted disease and their partners have to get treated to prevent reinfection, which is one of the causing factors of it. And I would say, antibiotics are required if there is a secondary infection, and otherwise, cryotherapy (cold therapy used to treat lesions under low temperature) is the treatment of choice. I would recommend you, that first consult with your dermatologist and then go for,

  1. A physical expression of the molluscum body in total by squeezing a papule with blunt forceps or superficial curettage or shaving with a sharpened wooden spatula.
  2. Apply Chemicals like phenol, carbolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), silver nitrate or iodine solution should be applied very carefully, after piercing the papules with a sharpened stick and taking out the molluscum body, avoiding spillage and necrosis of the surrounding skin.
  3. KOH (Potassium hydroxide) applied over lesions for 30 days leads to clearance by digesting proteins.
  4. Topical 5 % Imiquimod cream helps treat giant molluscum.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Gaurang Gupta
Dr. Gaurang Gupta

Dermatology

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