Mollusca Pricking

What is pricking treatment?

This treatment involves traumatising and removing the centre of the molluscum with a needle presumably to trigger an immune response from the body. This immune response will then help clear the virus and hasten the resolution of the treated bump on the skin. Interestingly, this method also helps clear other bumps elsewhere on the body.

What are the benefits of pricking?

It is a painless treatment and therefore one of the preferred methods of treating mollusca in children and those that can’t tolerate other treatments.
It is also much faster at treating mollusca than other methods. Usually each lesion only needs one session to help it resolve.
It is less likely to cause scarring than other treatments such as cryotherapy.

When to use pricking?

Pricking should be performed as a treatment option for mollusca if there are many lesions or if they have not resolved spontaneously.

When not to use pricking?

Pricking should not be used if there is an active bacterial skin infection.
Pricking should only be used with caution near eyes in case the child suddenly moves.

What are the steps involved in pricking treatment?

Mollusca pricking is a treatment that can be carried out by parents at home to treat their child. Alternatively it can be performed in clinic by the doctor if the child is co-operative.

The steps to mollusca pricking are below:

In older children, or in children who can co-operate, the treatment can be performed whilst they are awake. In younger children who are unlikely to sit still when approached with a needle, it is best done whilst they are asleep or whilst distracted by TV/ games etc.
The skin overlying the mollusca can be cleaned an with alcohol wipe.
With a sharp sterile needle, the centre of the mollusca is removed (flicked out).
Usually there is no bleeding – a dressing can be applied if there is any pin point bleeding.
Over the next few days, the mollusca will disappear.
Repeat treatment may be required for any remaining or new lesions.

What are the complications and side effects of pricking?

Lack of clearance of lesion (may take another course of treatment)
Mild discomfort (usually not painful and therefore tolerated by children)
Some spot bleeding

This article was prepared by Dr Tevi Wain