Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult, pediatric, and immunodeficient populations.

BACKGROUND Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin that is widely considered to be a self-resolving disease that can be treated with benign neglect. However, the clinical reality is that the disease can vary widely by anatomic site and by recalcitrance to treatment and remains a significant cause of morbidity worldwide. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review was to compile an updated resource for clinicians that addresses the management of the broad spectrum of molluscum cases that may be encountered. METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search was performed to identify publications on the treatment of molluscum infection, including presentations that may be rare or difficult. RESULTS The specific clinical scenario of molluscum must be considered when selecting the optimal therapy because certain treatments can be more effective for specific patient subpopulations. CONCLUSION Further attention must be directed toward standardizing treatment for molluscum infection based on patient age and immune status.