Molluscum Contagiosum Flashcards
What is molluscum contagiosum?
A common skin infection caused by a pox virus
How is the causative virus of molluscum contagiosum usually spread?
Direct skin contact
What can lead to direct skin contact and spread of molluscum contagiosum?
- Contact sports
- Sharing baths, towels, and gym equipment
- Sexual contact
How long is the incubation period of molluscum contagiosum?
Between 2-8 weeks
What is assumed about how infectious a person with molluscum contagiosum is?
They are infection as long as there are visible lesions
What virus causes molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)
What sort of virus is the molluscum contagiosum virus?
DNA pox virus
What family does the molluscum contagiosum virus belong to?
Poxviridae family
How many subclasses of molluscum contagiosum are there?
4
What subclass of molluscum contagiosum virus is the most common cause of molluscum contagiosum?
MCV 1
Which subclass of molluscum contagiosum virus is relatively common in people with HIV or immunosuppression?
MCV 2
What are the risk factors for molluscum contagiosum?
- Under 15 years
- Immunocompromisation
- Atopic eczema
- Swimming
What percentage of cases of molluscum contagiosum occur in under 15’s?
90%
How does molluscum contagiosum present?
Smooth umbilicated papules 2-5mm in diameter
What colour are the papules in molluscum contagiosum?
Can be colour of the skin, white, translucent or slightly yellow
Where do molluscum contagiosum lesions usually present in children?
On the trunk or extremities
Where do molluscum contagiosum lesions usually present in adults?
The lower abdomen, inner thighs or genital region
What does the location of adult molluscum contagiosum lesions usually suggest?
Sexual transmission
What is the distribution of molluscum contagiosum lesions?
Can be single or in clusters of up to 30
What are the accompanying symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?
Usually asymptomatic but can be tender, pruritic and surrounding eczema
What is the mean duration of each lesion in molluscum contagiosum?
8 months
What may be helpful to assist diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum?
Dermatoscopy
What are the differentials for molluscum contagiosum?
- Lichen planus
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Keratacanthoma
- Milia
- Herpes virus infection
- Warts
What is considered the best treatment for molluscum contagiosum?
Wait for spontaneous resolution
Why are active management techniques not helpful in molluscum contagiosum?
They are painful and of little benefit
What should be given in molluscum contagiosum if there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection?
Topical antibiotic
What can be used for surrounding eczema in molluscum contagiosum?
Emollients or mild steroid creams (e.g. hydrocortisone 1%)
What advice should be given to patients with molluscum contagiosum?
- Reassurance
- Avoid scratching
- No need for exclusion from school or swimming
- Don’t share towels
What reassurance should be given to patients with molluscum contagiosum?
Most cases clear up in 18 months
Why should patients avoid scratching?
- Can increase chance of spread
- Increase risk of infection and scarring
What treatment options can be offered if patient desires for molluscum contagiosum?
- Cryotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Cimetidine orally
- Podophyllotoxin cream
What are the potential complications of molluscum contagiosum?
- Discomfort and irritation
- Inflammation
- Secondary infection
- Eyelid lesions may be associated with follicular or papillary conjunctivitis
