An open label safety study of topical imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of Molluscum contagiosum in children

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of imiquimod 5% cream, a potent inducer of interferons, in children with molluscum contagiosum. The lesions of thirteen subjects (mean age 7 years) were treated every night for 4 weeks. A visual analog scale was used to assess any adverse local skin reactions, and for the presence of systemic side effects characteristic of interferon (IFN). Temperature and total white blood cell count were measured at baseline and compared with results at weeks 2 and 4. In the twelve subjects who completed the study, adverse reactions were limited to application site reactions. We did not find any evidence of systemic toxicity. In conclusion, imiquimod 5% cream appears to be a safe treatment in children with molluscum contagiosum.