Which physical method can be used to treat molluscum contagiosum lesions?

Which physical method can be used to treat molluscum contagiosum lesions?

• A. Curettage
• B. Oral acyclovir
• C. Systemic steroids
• D. Topical retinoids

Answer: (A)

Physical destruction of molluscum lesions can provide rapid clearance by directly removing infected tissue. Curettage accomplishes this by using a sharp instrument to scoop away each lesion, usually performed after local anesthesia. It’s a straightforward, in-clinic option that can be very effective for a limited number of lesions and yields quick cosmetic results. Understanding why this fits: molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus infection of the skin; removing the lesion physically eliminates the infected keratinocytes and the central umbilication that characterizes each lesion, leading to faster resolution than waiting for spontaneous clearance in many cases. Other options are not physical destruction methods and are less appropriate as primary treatments here. An antiviral taken by mouth targets herpesviruses rather than molluscum. Systemic steroids blunt the immune response and can worsen infection. Topical retinoids are keratolytic and may help slowly, but they don’t offer the immediate, destructive clearance that curettage provides.

Physical destruction of molluscum lesions can provide rapid clearance by directly removing infected tissue. Curettage accomplishes this by using a sharp instrument to scoop away each lesion, usually performed after local anesthesia. It’s a straightforward, in-clinic option that can be very effective for a limited number of lesions and yields quick cosmetic results.

Understanding why this fits: molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus infection of the skin; removing the lesion physically eliminates the infected keratinocytes and the central umbilication that characterizes each lesion, leading to faster resolution than waiting for spontaneous clearance in many cases.

Other options are not physical destruction methods and are less appropriate as primary treatments here. An antiviral taken by mouth targets herpesviruses rather than molluscum. Systemic steroids blunt the immune response and can worsen infection. Topical retinoids are keratolytic and may help slowly, but they don’t offer the immediate, destructive clearance that curettage provides.