Katherine Oakley, OMS-III; Benjamin Buttars, OMS-IV; Gates Scott, OMS-II; Danielle Glinka, OMS-II; and Keoni Nguyen, DO, FAAD
Molluscum Contagiosum (Molluscum) and Verruca are common viral infections that are frequently seen in pediatric patients. Molluscum Contagiosum infections are caused by the molluscum contagiosum poxvirus and, while usually benign, may persist for up to four years. The small, raised lesions that occur almost everywhere on the body as the main manifestation of this virus may become red, itchy, or painful. This virus is spread by both direct skin-to-skin contact and contact with contaminated clothing or other items, which makes spread extremely easy among young children in daycares and schools1.
Verruca vulgaris, or common warts, are caused by human papillomavirus. Like Molluscum, they may occur anywhere on the body and are usually benign. In addition to being a cosmetic burden, they may become irritated and painful. In children, most Verruca will eventually clear spontaneously, although complete resolution may take years and reinfection is common. Much like Molluscum, Verruca are spread by direct skin contact or by surface transmission2.
Currently, available treatments for both Molluscum Contagiosum and Verruca infections include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, retinoic acid, and imiquimod, which are often painful and only marginally successful due to poor patient compliance3,4,5. The application of ozone in the international community has been published since World War I as a treatment for various infectious processes6. In its natural gaseous state, application of ozone to a skin lesion would be difficult. However, when infused into a lipid carrier, it creates reactive metabolites which are both bactericidal and virucidal7,8.
This series of three case reports serves to demonstrate the potential use of ozone as a safe, painless, and effective treatment for both Molluscum and Verruca in pediatric populations.
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