Consultant360Topical Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum in Adults, Children Approved by FDA

Molluscum contagiosum manifests as white, pink, or flesh-colored bumps on the skin.

The FDA has given its nod to cantharidin, the inaugural topical treatment for molluscum contagiosum in both adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and above, marking a significant advancement in dermatological care.

Key Points:

• Cantharidin is a topical solution exclusively administered by health care professionals.
• The approval was based on two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving 528 participants aged 2 to 60 years.
• 54% of cantharidin-treated subjects achieved complete clearance of molluscum bumps by day 84, in contrast to 13% in the placebo group.

Additional Points:

• Treatment was given at 21-day intervals, up to a maximum of four applications.
• Adverse events at the application site encompassed blistering, pain, itching, scabbing, reddening, discoloration, dryness, swelling, and skin erosion.
• Oral administration is contraindicated due to potential severe or fatal toxicities.

Conclusion:

• Cantharidin offers a promising solution for molluscum contagiosum, with over half of the treated subjects achieving complete clearance, though care must be taken due to potential adverse effects.

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Did You Know?
Although molluscum contagiosum is most prevalent in children aged 1-10 years, it can persist for an average of 13 months, with many cases resolving within a year even without treatment.