Derm - Molluscum Contagiosum

Question 1

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 1

Viral skin infection

Caused by molluscum contagiosum virus

Poxvirus

Question 2

What are the features of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 2

Small, flesh-coloured papules

Characteristic central dimple

Appear in crops of multiple lesions in a local area

Question 3

How is molluscum contagiosum spread?

Answer 3

Direct contact
Sharing towels or bedsheets

Question 4

How long does molluscum contagiosum take to resolve?

Answer 4

Up to 18 months without treatment

Skin returns to normal

Scratching or picking can spread it, cause scarring and infection

Question 5

How is molluscum contagiosum managed?

Answer 5

Reassurance and education

Avoid sharing towels or close contact to minimise spread

Question 6

What can happen due to scratching?

Answer 6

RARE
Bacterial superinfection
May require antibiotics

Can also use
Topical fusidic acid
Oral flucloxacillin

Question 7

What specialist treatment is available in immunocompromised or severe disease?

Answer 7

Topical Treatments:
- Potassium hydroxide
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Podophyllootoxin
- Imquimod
- Tretinoin

Surgical removal and cryotherapy (can cause scarring)