Well-Known “Novel” Therapeutic Option for Molluscum Contagiosum

We read with interest the Feature Story entitled “A Novel Therapeutic Option for the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum” by Hardesty and Johnson in the February 2016 issue of Practical Dermatology®.

According to the free dictionary by Farlex, the English word “novel” originates from the latin word “novellus” and means something of a kind not seen before, fresh, new, or original.

The authors state that there are so many options for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum simply because none has proven to be safe, effective, or optimal for all patients. This view is also shared by us. However, the authors present the extraction of molluscum bodies with a forceps, a technique used by them for more than 15 years, as a novel and successful mode of treatment for molluscum contagiosum.

With all our respect to the authors, we wish to kindly point out that the extraction of molluscum bodies has been practiced for decades by many dermatologists all over the world in the management of this viral disease and is mentioned in almost all dermatology textbooks. Thus, this technique cannot be regarded as a novel therapeutic option. Even the subsequent topical application of white petrolatum for wound care represents no novelty.

We do agree with the authors that in most cases treated with extraction of molluscum bodies, no scar formation or any other complications occur. Nevertheless, upon close follow-up of the patients treated with this technique, relapses, particularly of the small lesions, are not uncommon, even in immunocompetent individuals. n

— E. Pasmatzi, MD, A. Monastirli, MD,
G. Badavanis MD, and D. Tsambaos MD, PhD

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine,
University of Patras, Greece