Efficacy of Cantharidin in Molluscum Contagiosum

The University of North Carolina Department of Dermatology is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate a drug called cantharidin in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum is a common dermatologic disorder caused by a poxvirus. Molluscum typically presents with many flesh-colored bumps on the skin. It goes away on its own, though can last several months to several years. Cantharidin is a topical medicine which is applied at the clinic visit. It is well tolerated by the majority of children.