Common, contagious skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the poxvirus family

Aetiology

• The aetiologic agent of molluscum contagiosum is the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a virus from the poxvirus family
• Transmission occurs primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact
• Most often occurs in children and people who are immunocompromised
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema can predispose to this condition

Clinical features

• Small, smooth, pearly-colored papules with a central area of umbilication
• These lesions can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the genitals
• In immunocompromised patients, lesions can be extra-genital and particularly prevalent on the face

Investigations

• Usually clinical diagnosis
• In case of genital molluscum, a full STI screen is advised for all presenting patients to rule out co-existing STIs

Management

• Typically resolves spontaneously within 18 months
• If the patient experiences distress due to cosmetic reasons, or to prevent transmission, interventions such as cryotherapy may be offered to remove the lesions