Molluscum Contagiosum
- Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection of the skin
- Most commonly affects children.
- May also occurs in adults particularly immunocompromised.
Cause
- Is caused by a poxvirus (largest virus)
- It is transmitted by:
- Person-to-person contact
- Through casual contact with contaminated objects (towels, sports equipment)
- Sexually transmitted in adults
- Auto infection by scratching the lesions
Clinical features
- Lesions begin as tiny papules.
- Increase in size, reach an average size of 6 mm.
- Are smooth, shiny, skin colored with a central depression.
- Usually appear in groups.
Diagnosis
- The lesions are distinctive and clinical diagnosis is typical
Treatment
- In children, the infection is usually self-limiting and often resolves in about a year
- Treatment is by physical or chemical destruction of the lesion
- Treatment is similar to Viral warts mentioned previously
