Warts and molluscum contagiosum: practical point of view

Warts and molluscums contagiosums are two benign viral skin diseases that c ommonly affect children. Contamination occurs by autoinoculation or during skin to skin contact. Molluscums contagiosums are more frequent in immunode ficient and atopic children. Swimming-pool practice and contact sports favo ur warts transmission. The choice of treatment depends upon the age of the child and the number and location of the lesions. Natural resolution can be awaited when lesions are limited. In first intent, curettage of the lesion s under local anesthesia for molluscums contagiosums, salicylic acid prepar ation or cryotherapy according to location for warts, are the treatment of choice. In neither affection school ousting is necessary. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.