Viral infections: MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

Question 1

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM Clinical Feature

Answer 1

discrete dome-shaped and umbilicated pearly, white papules caused by DNA Pox virus (Molluscum
contagiosum virus)

Question 2

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM common sites:

Answer 2

eyelids, beard (likely spread by shaving), neck, axillae, trunk, perineum, buttocks

Question 3

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM transmittion

Answer 3

virus is spread via direct contact, auto-inoculation, sexual contact

Question 4

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM populations

Answer 4

common in children and sexually active young adults (giant molluscum and severe cases can be seen in
the setting of HIV)

Question 5

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM course

Answer 5

virus is self-limited and can take 1-2 yr to resolve

Question 6

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM Investigations

Answer 6

none required, however can biopsy to conrm diagnosis

Question 7

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM Management

Answer 7

topical cantharidin (a vesicant)
• cryotherapy
• curettage
• topical retinoids
• Aldara® (imiquimod): immune modulator that produces a cytokine inflammation