Molluscum Contagiosum Flashcards
What is molluscum contagiosum?
A viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus,
What type of virus is molluscum contagiosum?
Poxvirus.
Who does molluscum contagiosum typically affect?
Preschool children aged 1-4 years.
How does molluscum contagiosum present?
Pinkish or pearly white papules with a central umbilication
Small, flesh coloured papules with a central dimple
How do molluscum contagiosum appear?
They appear in “crops” of multiple lesions in a local area.
How do molluscum contagiosum spread?
Through direct contact or by sharing items like towels or bedsheets.
How long does molluscum contagiosum take to resolve?
It can take up to 18 months
How do the molluscum contagiosum papules resolve?
By themselves without treatment
How is the risk of spreading the infection minimised?
Avoid sharing towels or other close contact with the lesions
Which patients may need to be referred to a specialist for molluscum contagiosum?
Immunocompromised patients
Patients with extensive lesions and HIV positive
Those with very extensive lesions
Those with lesions in problematic areas such as the eyelid or anogenital area
What are classed as problematic areas for molluscum contagiosum?
The eyelid or anogenital area
What specialist treatment can be given for molluscum contagiosum?
Squeezing (with fingernails) or piercing (orange stick) lesions may be tried, following a bath. Treatment should be limited to a few lesions at one time
Cryotherapy may be used in older children or adults, if the healthcare professional is experienced in the procedure
What treatment would you consider in older children and adults for molluscum contagiosum?
Cryotherapy may be used in older children or adults,
What can develop around the lesions?
Eczema or inflammation can develop around lesions prior to resolution
What is the management if the eczema or inflammation around lesions is itchy?
Prescribe an emollient and a mild topical corticosteroid (e.g. hydrocortisone 1%)
