Molluscum Contagiosum: Virus, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Definition

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the epidermis with pearly papules (CDC Guidelines, 2021).

Epidemiology of Molluscum Contagiosum

Risk groups for molluscum contagiosum are children, adolescents, sports with skin-to-skin contact, sexually active persons, and patients with immune deficiency.

Etiology of Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV):

DNA virus of the pox group. Incubation period 2–7 weeks. Transmission from human to human via skin-to-skin contact or inanimate vectors (e.g., towels).

Signs and Symptoms

Isolated or grouped dome-shaped skin-colored papules (1–5 mm) with a central umbilication.
Typical manifestations are the face, trunk, axillae, and genital region.
Papules can be expressed by lateral pressure (molluscum bodies).
Generalized manifestation is possible with immunodeficiency.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is possible with inspection only; a biopsy is necessary for untypical lesions, which show virus-infected cells with DNA-containing inclusion bodies.

Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

Natural course:

Molluscum contagiosum is usually a self-limiting disease that lasts several months to two years. Observation without active treatment is possible. Widespread and persistent disease is possible in patients with immunodeficiency (HIV).

Topical therapy:

Local application of cantharidin, imiquimod, podophyllotoxin, and numerous other substances have been effectively used against molluscum contagiosum. Disadvantages include side effects and high cost.

Surgical therapy:

Curettage followed by iodine-containing disinfection. Alternative techniques: cryosurgery or laser treatment. Disadvantages include pain and scarring.

Genital warts

Index

Erectile dysfunction

Index: 1–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

References

Bikowski 2004 BIKOWSKI, Jr.: Molluscum contagiosum: the need for physician intervention and new treatment options.
In: Cutis
73 (2004), Nr. 3, S. 202–6

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/STI-Guidelines-2021.pdf

Smith und Skelton 2002 SMITH, K. J. ; SKELTON, H.: Molluscum contagiosum: recent advances in pathogenic mechanisms, and new therapies.
In: Am J Clin Dermatol
3 (2002), Nr. 8, S. 535–45

Ting und Dytoc 2004 TING, P. T. ; DYTOC, M. T.: Therapy of external anogenital warts and molluscum contagiosum: a literature review.
In: Dermatol Ther
17 (2004), Nr. 1, S. 68–101

Tyring 2003 TYRING, S. K.: Molluscum contagiosum: the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
In: Am J Obstet Gynecol
189 (2003), Nr. 3 Suppl, S. S12–6

Deutsche Version: Molluscum contagiosum: virale Infektion der Haut.