Molluscum Contagiosum in the Pediatric Population: Expert Consensus Guidance on Prevention and Treatment

Molluscum contagiosum (MC), caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, is a common viral skin infection in children. MC may persist for months to years and can substantially impair the quality of life for affected children and their families through discomfort, pruritus, cosmetic concerns, social stigma, and household transmission. Newer US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies have demonstrated patient-acceptable clearance rates, providing clinicians with additional options to treat pediatric MC. The paper summarized literature on MC in childhood and provided evidence-based guidance to help clinicians manage pediatric MC.

A panel of dermatologists developed a consensus paper to address the challenges of treating pediatric MC. The modified Delphi process comprised a two-pronged literature review, development of evidence-supported statements, physician review and modification, and a face-to-face panel meeting to discuss the systematic literature search results and draw on clinical experience and opinion to create six consensus statements, followed by voting.

Consensus was achieved for 6 statements. Self-limiting, prolonged infection is common, particularly in children with impaired skin barrier conditions and immune deficiencies. Families may seek treatment to reduce patient discomfort from inflammatory symptoms, limit transmission, and reduce disease burden. Physicians should focus on patient and family quality of life through education and shared decision-making. Berdazimer gel 10.3% and cantharidin 0.7% are FDA-approved therapies that achieve meaningful lesion clearance (>50%) within 6 weeks to 3 months.

The use of FDA-approved therapies with clinically meaningful clearance rates, combined with supportive management, provides an opportunity to improve outcomes and quality of life for children with MC.  .