Molluscum Contagiosum

Question 1

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 1

A common skin infection caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) (Poxviridae family).

Question 2

How is molluscum contagiosum spread?

Answer 2

Directly by close personal contact, or indirectly via fomites (contaminated surfaces).

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 3

Mostly occurs in children, often with atopic eczema.

Question 4

What is the appearance of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 4

Pinkish or pearly white papules with a central umbilication, up to 5 mm in diameter.
Appear anywhere on the body (except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet)

Question 5

What is the treatment of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 5

Self-limiting, resolves in 18 months.
Lesions are contagious - don’t share towels ect. Don’t scratch, school exclusion isn’t required.

Treatment isn’t recommended (could squeeze or pierce)
Cryotherapy
Eczema or inflammation can develop around the lesions - may have to treat if itching is problematic or skin looks infected.

Question 6

When might referral be required in cases of moluscum contagiosum?

Answer 6

For people who are HIV positive
For people with eyelid-margin or ocular lesions
Adults with anogenital lesions for screening of STIs