Molluscum Contagiosum in the Pediatric Population: Expert Consensus Guidance on Prevention and Treatment
August 2026 | Volume 25 | Issue 8 | 717 | Copyright © August 2026
Published online July 31, 2026
Nanette B. Silverberg MD FAADa, Latanya Benjamin MD FAAD FAAPb, Mercedes E. Gonzalez MD FAADc, Adelaide A. Hebert MD FAADd, Pearl C. Kwong MD FAAD FAAPe, Peter Lio MD FAADf, Anthony Mancini FAAD FAAPg, Vanja Adzovic PharmDh, Anneke Andriessen PhDi, Lawrence A. Schachner MD FAAD FAAPj
aDepartment of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
bYoung Skin MD, Florida Atlantic University, Parkland, FL
cPediatric Skin Research, Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
dDepartment of Dermatology and Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX
eWolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville, FL
fDermatology and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
gDivision of Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago,
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
hClinical Pharmacist, Blue Quill Communications, Toronto, Canada
iRadboud UMC Nijmegen, Andriessen Consultants, Malden, The Netherlands
jDermatology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Dermatology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Abstract
Background: Molluscum contagiosum (MC), caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, is a common viral skin infection in children. MC may persist for months to years and can substantially impair the quality of life for affected children and their families through discomfort, pruritus, cosmetic concerns, social stigma, and household transmission. Newer US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies have demonstrated patient-acceptable clearance rates, providing clinicians with additional options to treat pediatric MC. The paper summarized literature on MC in childhood and provided evidence-based guidance to help clinicians manage pediatric MC.
Methods: A panel of dermatologists developed a consensus paper to address the challenges of treating pediatric MC. The modified Delphi process comprised a two-pronged literature review, development of evidence-supported statements, physician review and modification, and a face-to-face panel meeting to discuss the systematic literature search results and draw on clinical experience and opinion to create six consensus statements, followed by voting.
Results: Consensus was achieved for 6 statements. Self-limiting, prolonged infection is common, particularly in children with impaired skin barrier conditions and immune deficiencies. Families may seek treatment to reduce patient discomfort from inflammatory symptoms, limit transmission, and reduce disease burden. Physicians should focus on patient and family quality of life through education and shared decision-making. Berdazimer gel 10.3% and cantharidin 0.7% are FDA-approved therapies that achieve meaningful lesion clearance (>50%) within 6 weeks to 3 months.
Conclusions: The use of FDA-approved therapies with clinically meaningful clearance rates, combined with supportive management, provides an opportunity to improve outcomes and quality of life for children with MC.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2026;25(8): doi:10.36849/JDD.10025
INTRODUCTION
Molluscum contagiosum (MC), caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), is a cutaneous infection that commonly affects children.1 Molluscum can significantly impair quality of life, contributing to social stigma, discomfort, and caregiver burden.2 Although the condition is self-limiting, lesion resolution can take months to years, and scratching of MC papules can lead to autoinoculation or spread to others.2 Beyond disease persistence and potential spread, families may elect to treat the condition for additional reasons, including prevention of molluscum dermatitis and other sequelae.2 Current treatment options include several off-label treatments that are associated with limited efficacy and/or local side effects, as well as 2 FDA-approved treatments
