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Oral Ranitidine as an Immunomodulatory Agent in the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum: A Pediatric Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral skin infection seen predominantly in children. While usually self-limiting, concerns over transmissibility and cosmesis often prompt active treatment. Traditional methods such as curettage, cryotherapy, and chemical agents may cause pain or scarring, limiting their use in young children. This case report highlights the successful treatment of MC with oral ranitidine, an H2-receptor antagonist known for its immunomodulatory properties. A six-year-old girl with multiple umbilicated papules on both buttocks achieved complete lesion clearance after eight weeks of oral ranitidine therapy at 5 mg/kg/day. No recurrence was observed over a six-month follow-up. Given its favorable safety profile and immunostimulatory potential, ranitidine may represent a viable, non-invasive therapeutic option for extensive or recurrent MC in immunocompetent pediatric patients.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98310

Authors: Binod Kumar, Kiran Kumre, Madhavi Thombare, Ratan Kumar, Tulika Anand

Institutions: Tata Main Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-Tata Medical College, Jamshedpur

Language: English

Topic: Poxvirus research and outbreaks

Subfield: Virology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416915520