Molluscum contagiosum, Mongolian blue spot, Seborrhoeic dermatitis Flashcards
What is Molluscum contagiosum?
Viral skin infection caused by pox virus
What is the aetiology of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Transmission usually by direct skin contact
What are the clinical features of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Firm, smooth, pearly umbilicated papules
• May be single but usually multiple
• Usually 2-5mm in diameter
• In children, tend to occur on trunk and extremities
What investigations do you do for Molluscum Contagiosum?
Clinical exam
What is the management of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Lesions usually disappear spontaneously within a year
• If necessary, a topical antibacterial can be applied to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infection
• If necessary, cryotherapy can be done in older children to hasten disappearance
• NICE guidelines
o Does NOT require treatment if immunocompetent (it is self-limiting)
o Spontaneous resolution usually occurs within 18 months
o Advise against squeezing mollusca to avoid the spread of infectious material and reducing risk of super-infections
o Avoid sharing towels, clothing and baths with uninfected people (e.g. siblings)
o If eczema or infection develops around the lesions, treat appropriately (e.g. emollients and steroids or antibiotics)
o Chemical or physical destruction may be done by a specialist
What are Mongolian Blue spots?
Mongolian blue spots are flat bluish- to bluish-gray skin markings commonly appearing at birth or shortly thereafter. They appear commonly at the base of the spine, on the buttocks and back and also can appear on the shoulders. Mongolian spots are benign and are not associated with any conditions or illnesses and disappear by early childhood.
What is Seborrheic dermatitis?
Chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by erythematous and greasy scaly patches.
What is the aetiology of seborrheic dermatitis?
o Starts on the scalp as an erythematous scaly eruption
o The scales form a thick yellow adherent layer, commonly called cradle cap
o The scaly rash may spread to the face, behind the ears and then to the flexures and napkin area
Associated with increased risk of subsequent atopic eczema development
What are the clinical features of Seborrheic dermatitis?
- Cradle cap +/- extensive involvement
* Rash is NOT itchy
How do you diagnose Seborrheic dermatitis?
Clinical exam
What is the management of Seborrheic dermatitis?
• Reassure the parents (it is NOT a serious condition)
• It will spontaneously resolve over a few weeks/months
• If scalp is affected, advise:
o Regular washing of the scalp with baby shampoo, followed by gentle brushing with a soft brush to loosen scales and improve the condition of the skin
o Softening the scales with baby oil first, followed by gentle brushing, then washing off with baby shampoo
o Soaking the crusts overnight with white petroleum jelly or slightly warmed vegetable/olive oil, and shampooing in the morning
o Emulsifying ointment can be used if these measures don’t work
• If conservative measures are ineffective, prescribe topical imidazole cream (e.g. clotrimazol, econazole, meconazole)
o Use 2-3 times per day (depending on preparation) until symptoms disappear
o Consider specialist advice if it lasts > 4 weeks
• If other areas of skin are affected, advise bathing the infant at least once per day using an emollient as a soap substitute
