Molluscum Contagiosum Management

Question 1

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
• Benign viral skin infection with little health risk
• Often disappears without treatment in a few weeks or months- can take up to 4 years
• Spread by direct contact
• Incubation period is 2 to 7 weeks, possibly as long as 6 months
• History
– Itching
• Physical
– Very small, firm, pink to flesh colored discrete papules 1 to 6 mm – Lesion progress to becoming umbilicated with a cheesy core
– Surrounding dermatitis is common
– Can present as a single papules or a cluster of multiple papules
– Genitally grouped lesions can be present in sexually active or abused children – Can be severe in children with eczema or immunocompromised children

Answer 1

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Question 2

MANAGEMENT
• No consensus or evidenced based literature to support any treatment over a placebo treatment
• Mechanical removal
• Irritants (such as duct tape) applied each night
• Topical medications
– Liquid nitrogen applied for 2-3 seconds – Trichloacetic acid 25% to 50%
– Canthardin 0.7%
– Podpfilox 0.5%
– Tretinoin
– silver nitrate – Cimetidine

Answer 2

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