Safety and Efficacy Study of Topical Cantharidin for the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

Randomized Pilot Study Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of Topical Cantharidin for the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

The purpose of this study is to determine if cantharidin is a safe and effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum in kids

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were recruited from the Pediatric Dermatology clinic at Montefiore Medical Center. One hundred eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive cantharidin 0.7% topical, cantharidin 0.7% topical with occlusion, placebo, or placebo with occlusion. Treatments were applied at weeks 0 and 3 (blinded phase). At week 6, all participants were treated with open-label, topical cantharidin 0.7% without occlusion every 3 weeks until all lesions resolved (open-label phase).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 2-17years
• Healthy
• <50 molluscum contagiosum lesions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Immunosuppressed
• Oral corticosteroids
• Sexually active/pregnant