Drugs Prescribed for Molluscum Contagiosum
The following medicines may sometimes be prescribed by your doctor:
- Iodine- and salicylic- or potassium-hydroxide-containing creams
- Acid trichloroacetic
- Condylox, a topical podophyllotoxin cream
- A doctor typically uses the blistering agent cantharidin (Cantharone).
- imiquimod (Aldara) as a T cell modulator (although the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention do not advise using in children because it has not been shown to be beneficial and can have serious negative effects)
Before using these or any other medications, disclose to your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding, or breast-feeding a child. For instance, while podophyllotoxin cream may be safe for those who are born with a male gender preference, pregnant women should avoid using it since some of the chemicals may be harmful to the developing fetus.
The best course of action for HIV-positive patients who develop molluscum contagiosum is antiretroviral medication (ART). It can support the immune system’s vigor and aid in virus defense.
Before beginning any molluscum contagiosum therapies, speak with your doctor.