Molluscum Contagiosum

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

• A common skin infection caused by a pox virus that affects children and adults. Transmission is usually by direct skin contact.

Question 2

Aetiology:

Answer 2

• Viral skin infection caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)
• It is a type of pox virus

Question 3

Risk factors:

Answer 3

o Mainly in CHILDREN
o Immunocompromised - HIV
o Atopic eczema

Question 4

Epidemiology:

Answer 4

• COMMON
• 90% of patients are < 15 yrs
• A lot of people will not seek medical attention for it

Question 5

Symptoms:

Answer 5

• Incubation period: 2-8 weeks
• Usually ASYMPTOMATIC
• There may be tenderness, pruritus and eczema around the lesion
• Lesions last for around 8 months

Question 6

Signs:

Answer 6

• Firm, smooth, pearly umbilicated papules
• Usually 2-5 mm in diameter
• In children - tends to occur on the trunk and the extremities
• In adults - tends to occur on the lower abdomen, genital area and inner thighs (suggesting sexual contact)

Question 7

Investigations:

Answer 7

• Usually a CLINICAL diagnosis

* Dermatoscopy may be useful if there is doubt