by Josef A. Brinckmann*
Introduction
Pediatric Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a common skin infection, caused by a poxvirus. MCV lesions are typically asymptomatic, firm, smooth, round papules with central umbilication. Recommended conventional medical treatments for lesion eradication include mechanical (curettage, laser, or cryotherapy), chemical (trichloroacetic acid, tertinoin), immunologic (imiquinmod) (Stulberg et al 2003), or no treatment since MCV lesions may resolve naturally over time in children with a normal immune system (van der Wouden et al 2006).
Homeopathic treatments that have been associated with positive outcome in patients with MCV include Natrum sulphuricum (sulphate of sodium), Sulphur (sublimated sulhpur) and Natrum muriaticum (chloride of sodium) (Rajendran 2002). There has been one controlled study showing a positive outcome with a phytomedicine, essential oil of Backhousia citriodora leaf (lemon myrtle) (Burke et al 2004).
Very few controlled studies of treatment efficacy have been conducted. In a recent review of randomized controlled trials (published up through March 2004), five studies with a total number of 137 participants were evaluated. Three studies involved topical applications (e.g. povidone iodine and/or salicylic acid), one involved systemic interventions (potassium hydroxide or cimetidine), and another trial involved use of a homoeopathic medicine Calcarea carbonica (carbonate of lime). The authors concluded that no single intervention has been shown to be convincingly effective in treating MC (van der Wouden et al 2006).
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