Molluscum contagiosum Flashcards
What is molluscum infection?
Benign epidermal eruption of the skin due to molluscum contagiosum
What type of organism is molluscum contagiosum?
LARGE
DNA virus
belongs to Poxviridae family
Molluscopix genus
How subtypes of molluscum contagiosum are there?
4
What is the commonest subtype of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)?
MCV-1
Is there any clinical difference between the different MCV subtypes?
No
Which MCV subtype appears relatively common in immunocompromised and HIV infection?
MCV-2
How many MCV subtypes does an individual infection usually have?
ONE
Who typically get molluscum?
Children
What proportion of molluscum infection presents in children?
90%
How is MCV infection acquired?
Routine physical contact
Contact with fomites
Where do molluscum typically occur if infection is sexually acquired?
genitals buttocks pubic region lower abdomen upper thighs
Molluscum lesions - describe what they look like?
Smooth-surfaced Firm Dome-shaped papules Central umbilication Pearly white, pink or yellow
How many molluscum are typical?
1-30 in CLUSTERS
What can happen to the skin from which the molluscum appear?
Koebner phenomenon (inflammatory dermatitis)
What proportion of PLWHIV got molluscum pre-ART?
5-18%
Where does molluscum typically occur in PLWHIV?
Face and neck
Eyelids
When might the first molluscum appear in HIV infection?
as part of IRIS following starting ARVs
When might dermatoscopy be indicated for molluscum diagnosis?
When clinical diagnosis is challenging
How is molluscum diagnosed?
Clinical based on characteristic appearance
What are the potential differentials to molluscum?
BCC cysts/abscesses keratocanthoma cutaneous horn genital warts ectopic sebaceous glands vulvar lymphangioma circumscription Disseminated fungal infection in immunosuppression
What increases the risk of autoinoculation with molluscum?
Waxing/shaving
Squeezing/picking molluscum as central plug very infectious and can be spread to uninfected skin
How else might molluscum spread other than direct contact?
Towels, bed linen, clothes
Swimming pool
What is the preferred treatment for molluscum?
No treatment in immunocompetent
What are the disadvantages of topical treatment for molluscum?
Local skin reaction
Potential scar formation
Limited evidence of efficacy
Why might a person opt for treatment of molluscum?
cosmetic reasons
stigma
symptoms (pruritus, secondary infection)
concerns regarding transmis- sion and autoinoculation
What topical treatments can be considered for treatment of molluscum?
Podophylotoxin
Imiquimod
Cryotherapy
Which topical therapies should be AVOIDED in pregnancy?
Podophylotoxin
Imiquimod
