Alcohol Abuse Advice

Topical Treatments For Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limiting disease in the immunocompetent host. Treatment is not necessary in most cases, since natural resolution occurs. Topical treatments that do not leave scars and are not associated with severe adverse events may be tried in order to limit the spread, shorten the course of the disease, for cosmetic reasons, or to suppress accompanying symptoms.

Options that can be recommended on the basis of the existing evidence are sodium nitrite 5% salicylic acid 5% cream for nonfacial lesions and benzoyl peroxide 10% cream. Salicylic acid preparations, phenol, imiquimod, tretinoin, and oral cimetidine are not recommended on the basis of the data available.

The treatment with sodium nitrite 5% salicylic acid 5% cream is awkward and time-consuming, and causes irritation in some patients. Because of potential staining, sodium nitrite is not recommended for facial molluscum contagiosum. It appears to be beneficial for lesions on the trunk, although larger trials are needed to confirm the results.

Salicylic acid 12%, lactic acid 4% gel applied once to twice weekly, and 10% phenol in a 70% alcohol solution applied once daily had similar clearance rates to those of the vehicle. Significantly more patients discontinued treatment due to stinging in the salicylic acid group in comparison with phenol and vehicle. No serious adverse events occurred.

Tolerability did not differ significantly between imiquimod and the vehicle. Approximately 50% of patients in both treatment groups reported mild to moderate pruritus. Local skin reactions were frequent in both groups. Imiquimod does not appear to be highly effective in molluscum contagiosum. In addition, adverse drug reactions may compromise compliance.

Australian lemon myrtle appears to beneficial against molluscum contagiosum. However, complete response rates are not reported, and complete clearance is probably of most relevance for the patient. So far as we are aware, the formulation is not standardized and the product is not widely marketed. Practical reasons may therefore limit the use of this agent.

Ninety-two percent of patients treated with benzoyl peroxide 10% cream twice daily for a total of 4 weeks had complete remission of all lesions in week 6, in comparison with 46% of patients treated with tretinoin 0.05% cream. Side effects were limited to mild dermatitis in both treatment groups. Benzoyl peroxide 10% cream appears to be beneficial for molluscum contagiosum.

Oral cimetidine 35 mg/kg/day for 3 months added no notable benefit to placebo treatment. Half of the patients dropped out. The reasons for withdrawal are not reported. Thus, cimetidine is not recommended in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum. In conclusion, most of the topical treatments are not adequate and always invasive.

Surgically removing molluscum or using acids for molluscum treatment are also traumatic and not always effective. Over the years, medical professionals and the general public have been showing greater interest in the development of plant medicines. Plants commonly contain synergistic suites of phytoprotective chemicals which are often responsible for their medicinal uses as well.

AntiMolluscum-Rx is a potent yet safe anti-viral agent for topical use to eradicate molluscum infections. It quantifiably inhibits and kills the molluscum virus, resulting in fast elimination of molluscum, results are generally experienced in a matter of days. Clinical trials of antiviral extracts in AntiMolluscum-Rx against molluscum contagiosum have been conducted.

AntiMolluscum-Rx is composed of certified organic extracts selected for their antiviral activity against pox viruses, their ability to heal skin tissue and to strengthen immune defenses. These constituents have marked antiviral activity against enveloped viruses like molluscum and possess antioxidant properties.

AntiMolluscum-Rx has, in practically all known cases, produced spectacular results to eliminate molluscum, regardless of location on the body (do not apply near the eyes). Application literally dissolves molluscum day after day, without damaging healthy tissue, total clearance is often experienced within a week when applied 3 times per day.

To create AntiMolluscum-Rx, NaturesPharma incorporated organic plant extracts which demonstrate immediate and heightened levels of antiviral effect against molluscum while being tolerable to healthy skin tissue. This product is based on advancements made in medicinal plants as they apply to virology, immunology, and dermatology. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.