Molluscum contagiosum

Question 1

Features of molluscum contagiosum

Answer 1

• pinkish or pearly white papiles
• central umbilication
• up to 5mm
• clusters anwhere on body (except palms, soles)

Question 2

Molluscum contagiosum

Answer 2

• common skin infection caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (Poxvirus family)
• transmission via direct close contact or contaminated surfaces
• mostly aged 1-4 years

Question 3

Self-management advice for molluscum contagiosum

Answer 3

• reassure self-limiting (spontaneous resolution ~18months)
• lesions contagious, avoid sharing towels etc.
• discourage scratching
• exclusion from school, PE etc. not needed

Question 4

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum

Answer 4

• not usually recommended
• troublesome or unsightly lesions -> cryotherapy, picking/sqeezing
• emollients for itching

Question 5

Referring molluscum contagiosum

Answer 5

• HIV positive with extensive lesions
• eyelid-margin or ocular
• anogenital lesions in adults