Molluscum Contagiosum

Question 1

How is it spread?

Answer 1

Direct contact

Question 2

Natural Hx of molluscum.

Answer 2

• Benign, self-limiting but lasts for 6-9 months (lesions can persist for over a year)

Question 3

Describe the lesions of classic molluscum.

Answer 3

• Polymorphous umbilicated skin coloured papules
  • Lesions are usually 1-3 mm in diameter, but can grow to 1-2 cm.
• Eczema can develop around lesion

Question 4

Where can molluscum lesions appear?

Answer 4

• Lesions can occur anywhere, particularly in flexures and areas of friction
• Lesions may occur in the anogenital region and are not usually associated with sexual abuse.
• Molluscum on eyelid margins can cause chronic conjunctivitis, often unilateral.

Question 5

What kind of Mx is there for molluscum?

Answer 5

• General:
  
  • Restrict sharing of baths and towels
  • Can’t restrict going to the pool/activities, but encourage wearing things on top
• Non-pharma Mx:
  
  • Tape stripping
  • Curettage/cryotherapy only occasionally

• Rx: irritants to stimulate immune response - note: Scarring may be worse following these treatments than with conservative management
○ Topical e.g. salicylic acid wart paint
○ aluminium acetate/imiquimod