Experience in treating molluscum contagiosum in children with imiquimod 5% cream

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Abstract
There is a wide variety of topical or surgical treatment options for molluscum contagiosum (MC). However, treatment in young or anxious children is difficult, time‐consuming and often painful. We studied the topical efficacy and tolerance of imiquimod, a topical immune‐response modifier, which stimulates the production of interferon‐αand other cytokines in children with MC. In an open‐label, follow‐up trial, imiquimod 5% cream was applied three times a week for 16 weeks to 15 children aged 4–11 years with multiple MC. Nine of 13 children (69%) who completed treatment responded. Two patients (15%) showed a complete remission, and seven (54%) had a partial response, with a remarkable reduction of the MC lesions. Four children (31%) showed stable or progressive disease. In three children (23%) with partial remission, the number of mollusca were considerably reduced, thus avoiding surgical treatment. In general, the treatment was well‐tolerated, without systemic side‐effects. Local side‐effects included erythema (85%), itching (75%), burning sensations (23%) and pain (11%). Three children (23%) discontinued treatment because of local side‐effects. The results of this study suggest that imiquimod 5% cream is a useful new treatment option for MC in children, especially in severe cases. The dosing schedule and length of treatment requires further evaluation.