molluscum contagiosum

Question 1

what is molluscs contagiousm

Answer 1

viral skin infection

caused by the molluscs contagious virus - a type of poxvirus

Question 2

features of molluscs contagiosum

Answer 2

small, flesh coloured papules
raised individual bumps on skin
central dimple
appear in "crops"
spread through direct contact (sharing items)

papules resolve in 18 months

Question 3

management

Answer 3

avoid sharing towel to risk spread
no tx / change in lifestyle

if bacterial infection (from scratching) give topical fusicik acid or flucloxacillin

immunocompromised patients - extensive lesions in problematic areas (eyelids) referral to pselicialist. topical potassium hydroexde, benzoyl peroxide, podophyllotoxin, imiquimod, tretinoin

surgical- cryotherapy, freezing with liquid nitrogen