Molluscum Contagiosum

Definition

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the epidermis with pearly papules (CDC Guidelines, 2006).

Epidemiology of Molluscum Contagiosum

Risk groups for molluscum contagiosum: children and adolescents, sports with skin-to-skin contact, sexually active persons, 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 via inanimate vectors (e.g., towels).

Signs and Symptoms

Isolated or grouped dome-shaped skin-colored papules (1–5 mm) with a central umbilication.
Manifestation at 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, biopsy is necessary for untypical lesions (virus-infected cells with DNA-containing inclusion bodies).

Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

Natural course:

Usually self-limiting disease, which lasts several months to two years. This justifies observation without active therapy. 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 coagulation. Disadvantages include pain and scarring.

Genital warts

Index

Penis

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 diseases treatment guidelines 2006.
in: MMWR
2006; 55 (No. RR-11): 1–93.

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.