Molluscum contagiosum

Question 1

Define molluscum contagiosum

Answer 1

Common skin infection caused by a pox virus that affects children & adults

Question 2

Aetiology of molluscum contagiosum

3

Answer 2

Viral skin infection caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)
Type of pox virus
Transmission usually by direct skin contact

Question 3

Risk factors for molluscum contagiosum

3

Answer 3

Mainly in CHILDREN
Immunocompromised
Atopic eczema

Question 4

Epidemiology of molluscum contagiosum

prevalence, age, severity

Answer 4

COMMON
90% patients are <15 yrs
Lots of people won’t seek medical attention for it

Question 5

Presenting symptoms of molluscum contagiosum

4

Answer 5

Incubation period 2-8 weeks
Usually ASYMPTOMATIC
May be tenderness, pruritus & eczema around the lesion
Lesions last around 8 months

Question 6

Signs of molluscum contagiosum on physical examination

4

Answer 6

Firm, smooth, umbilicate papules
Usually 2-5mm diameter
In children: tend to occur on trunk & extremities
In adults: tend to occur on lower abdomen, genital area & inner thighs (suggesting sexual contact)

Question 7

Investigations for molluscum contagiosum

2

Answer 7

Usually a CLINICAL diagnosis

Dermatoscopy may be useful if there’s doubt