From the Guidelines
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign viral skin infection presenting as skin-colored papules that develop a central umbilication as they age, affecting 5% to 11% of children 0 to 16 years of age. This infection is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) and is characterized by small, flesh-colored or pink bumps on the skin, typically with a dimple or depression in the center. The bumps can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, neck, armpits, hands, and genitals.
The infection spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects, and is particularly common in children, sexually active adults, and people with weakened immune systems 1. While molluscum contagiosum often resolves on its own within 6-12 months, treatment options include physical removal methods like cryotherapy (freezing), curettage (scraping), or topical medications such as podophyllotoxin, imiquimod, or cantharidin.
Some key points to consider about molluscum contagiosum include:
- The virus replicates in the epidermis, causing cells to enlarge and form the characteristic bumps, but it typically doesn't cause systemic illness or scarring when properly managed.
- To prevent spreading the infection, it is recommended to avoid scratching the bumps, cover them with bandages, don't share personal items like towels, and avoid sexual contact if bumps are in the genital area.
- In some cases, molluscum contagiosum can cause conjunctivitis and keratitis, particularly if the lesions are on the eyelid or margin, and treatment may be necessary to remove the lesions and prevent recurrence 1.
- The infection can be persistent, and treatment options may need to be repeated to achieve complete resolution of the lesions.
The most effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum is often a combination of physical removal methods and topical medications, and the choice of treatment should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and circumstances. It is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure that the infection is properly managed and to prevent any potential complications.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Molluscum Contagiosum
- Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral infection that affects the skin and oral mucous membranes, caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a double-stranded DNA virus in the Poxviridae family 2.
- It is characterized by the presence of a single or multiple enlarged dome-shaped or doughnut-shaped flesh-colored papules with central umbilication, usually called "mollusca" 2, 3.
- The diagnosis of MC is based mainly on clinical observations, in addition to histopathological examinations to reveal characteristic molluscum bodies, also known as Henderson-Patterson bodies 2, 4.
Transmission and Risk Factors
- Transmission of MC takes place via direct skin contact, self-inoculation, and exposure to contaminated objects 2.
- It is very common in children, sexually active adults, and immunocompromised patients, especially those who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus 3, 5.
- Infections in childhood are often linked to swimming-pool attendance, while adults are infected usually through sexual contact 5.
Treatment Options
- Current treatment methods include mechanical, chemical, immune modulation, and antiviral treatments 2.
- Topical imiquimod has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for MC in children 3.
- Other treatment options include curettage, cryotherapy, cantharidin, and salicylic acid 3, 6, 5.
Clinical Presentations and Diagnosis
- The typical clinical picture of MC is characterized by asymptomatic flesh-colored, single or multiple papules, measuring 2-6 mm in diameter with a central umbilication that occur on the skin and the mucous membranes 3.
- Atypical presentations of MC are rare in immunocompetent individuals and are challenging to diagnose, but can be diagnosed through cytological examination and histopathology 4.