TABLE 4.

Common side effects of clinician-applied therapies

TREATMENT	SIDE EFFECTS	COMMENTS
Cantharidin (non-FDA approved formulations)	Vesiculation, erythema, edema, crusting, discomfort (especially with overapplication)	Blistering is expected; advise regarding recommended wash-off instructions; might contain other therapeutic additives
Cantharidin 0.7% topical solution drug-device combination (device allows for focal application to individual MC lesions)	Vesiculation, erosion, pain, pruritus, erythema, scabbing, discoloration	The only FDA-approved therapy for molluscum contagiosum (MC); approved for patients ≥2 years of age; single application to MC lesions once every 3 weeks (maximum use of 2 applicators per session); allow to dry (should dry within 5 minutes); not required to wash off on the same day (recommended at 24 hours); no occlusion, such as overlying bandages, needed after application; do not apply to mucosal surfaces (e.g., eyes, lips, mouth, vagina); may be used at any skin site affected by MC but not recommended for application within 1cm of any mucosal area, such as eyes, lips (mouth), and vagina.
Cryotherapy	Pain upon and after application; blistering, erythema, edema, crusting; dyschromia (usually hypopigmentation); scarring	Not usually applicable for pediatric patients
Surgery (i.e., curettage)	Pain; need for local anesthesia; scarring; bleeding;secondary infection	Not usually applicable for pediatric patients
Lasers	Pain; dyschromia; postoperative healing	Limited applicability