Management of periocular molluscum contagiosum in children

Because there are no data concerning the association between periocular molluscum contagiosum (POMC) and toxic conjunctivitis, and since there are no established guidelines of acceptable treatment, we surveyed pediatric ophthalmologists in North America in order to analyze the results of their cumulative experience dealing with the disease. Approximately half of 341 cases of POMC were not associated with conjunctivitis; however the majority of cases were treated, occasionally with chemical ablatives or cautery. Many ophthalmologists preferred to use general anesthesia in the treatment of POMC. POMC was noted not only to regress spontaneously, but was also noted to recur after treatment. Because of the benign nature of the infection, indications to treat asymptomatic POMC are not clearly established.