Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection affecting children, sexually active adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Modified autoinoculation (MAI) is a procedure in which a solitary lesion of molluscum contagiosum lesion is inoculated in the affected skin to stimulate an immune response, thereby clearing the infection.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of modified autoinoculation versus curettage in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum infection.

This study was an assessor-blinded, randomized therapeutic trial performed at the Department of Dermatology of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center. 52 patients with newly diagnosed molluscum contagiosum that had not been previously treated were assigned randomly using computer-generated randomization to either curettage or MAI. 26 patients were allocated in each treatment group. Patients were followed-up every 2 weeks for 3 months and at 6 months to evaluate clearance and recurrence rates along with adverse events.

Curettage was significantly a more effective treatment than MAI in achieving higher clearance rates and reducing recurrences. Adverse events did not differ significantly.

While MAI was a less invasive alternative, curettage remains superior in terms of efficacy and recurrence prevention. However, MAI may still be considered for patients seeking a less painful procedure, especially in children and those with extensive lesions.