Molluscum Contagiosum Flashcards

1
Q

What is molluscum contagiosum?

A

A common skin infection caused by a pox virus

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2
Q

How is the causative virus of molluscum contagiosum usually spread?

A

Direct skin contact

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3
Q

What can lead to direct skin contact and spread of molluscum contagiosum?

A
  • Contact sports
  • Sharing baths, towels, and gym equipment
  • Sexual contact
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4
Q

How long is the incubation period of molluscum contagiosum?

A

Between 2-8 weeks

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5
Q

What is assumed about how infectious a person with molluscum contagiosum is?

A

They are infection as long as there are visible lesions

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6
Q

What virus causes molluscum contagiosum?

A

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)

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7
Q

What sort of virus is the molluscum contagiosum virus?

A

DNA pox virus

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8
Q

What family does the molluscum contagiosum virus belong to?

A

Poxviridae family

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9
Q

How many subclasses of molluscum contagiosum are there?

A

4

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10
Q

What subclass of molluscum contagiosum virus is the most common cause of molluscum contagiosum?

A

MCV 1

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11
Q

Which subclass of molluscum contagiosum virus is relatively common in people with HIV or immunosuppression?

A

MCV 2

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12
Q

What are the risk factors for molluscum contagiosum?

A
  • Under 15 years
  • Immunocompromisation
  • Atopic eczema
  • Swimming
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13
Q

What percentage of cases of molluscum contagiosum occur in under 15’s?

A

90%

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14
Q

How does molluscum contagiosum present?

A

Smooth umbilicated papules 2-5mm in diameter

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15
Q

What colour are the papules in molluscum contagiosum?

A

Can be colour of the skin, white, translucent or slightly yellow

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16
Q

Where do molluscum contagiosum lesions usually present in children?

A

On the trunk or extremities

17
Q

Where do molluscum contagiosum lesions usually present in adults?

A

The lower abdomen, inner thighs or genital region

18
Q

What does the location of adult molluscum contagiosum lesions usually suggest?

A

Sexual transmission

19
Q

What is the distribution of molluscum contagiosum lesions?

A

Can be single or in clusters of up to 30

20
Q

What are the accompanying symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?

A

Usually asymptomatic but can be tender, pruritic and surrounding eczema

21
Q

What is the mean duration of each lesion in molluscum contagiosum?

A

8 months

22
Q

What may be helpful to assist diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum?

A

Dermatoscopy

23
Q

What are the differentials for molluscum contagiosum?

A
  • Lichen planus
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis
  • Keratacanthoma
  • Milia
  • Herpes virus infection
  • Warts
24
Q

What is considered the best treatment for molluscum contagiosum?

A

Wait for spontaneous resolution

25
Q

Why are active management techniques not helpful in molluscum contagiosum?

A

They are painful and of little benefit

26
Q

What should be given in molluscum contagiosum if there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection?

A

Topical antibiotic

27
Q

What can be used for surrounding eczema in molluscum contagiosum?

A

Emollients or mild steroid creams (e.g. hydrocortisone 1%)

28
Q

What advice should be given to patients with molluscum contagiosum?

A
  • Reassurance
  • Avoid scratching
  • No need for exclusion from school or swimming
  • Don’t share towels
29
Q

What reassurance should be given to patients with molluscum contagiosum?

A

Most cases clear up in 18 months

30
Q

Why should patients avoid scratching?

A
  • Can increase chance of spread

- Increase risk of infection and scarring

31
Q

What treatment options can be offered if patient desires for molluscum contagiosum?

A
  • Cryotherapy
  • Laser therapy
  • Cimetidine orally
  • Podophyllotoxin cream
32
Q

What are the potential complications of molluscum contagiosum?

A
  • Discomfort and irritation
  • Inflammation
  • Secondary infection
  • Eyelid lesions may be associated with follicular or papillary conjunctivitis