Molluscum Contagiosum

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MCV Basics - Poxy Papules Primer

  • Etiology: Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV), a DNA Poxvirus.
  • Morphology: Firm, pearly, dome-shaped papules (2-5 mm) with central umbilication.
    • "Molluscum bodies" or Henderson-Paterson bodies: Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions.
  • Transmission: Direct skin contact, fomites, autoinoculation.
  • Commonly Affects: Children (especially atopic), immunocompromised (e.g., HIV), sexually active adults.
  • Incubation: 2-7 weeks (up to 6 months). Molluscum Contagiosum Lesions

⭐ MCV is a DNA poxvirus; MCV-1 is most common globally, while MCV-2 is more common in adults and often sexually transmitted.

Clinical Picture - Spot the Pearly Papules

  • Morphology:
    • Firm, dome-shaped papules, 2-5 mm (giant >1 cm).
    • Pearly white, pink, or flesh-colored.
    • Key: Central umbilication (dimple).
    • Smooth, waxy surface.
    • Cheesy material (molluscum bodies) expressible.
    • Often grouped; linear spread from autoinoculation (Koebner phenomenon).
  • Common Sites:
    • Children: Trunk, face, axillae, extremities.
    • Adults (often STI): Genitals, perineum, lower abdomen, inner thighs.
    • Immunocompromised (e.g., HIV): Widespread, numerous, larger, atypical (face common).
  • Symptoms & Signs:
    • Often asymptomatic; may be pruritic.
    • Molluscum dermatitis: Eczema around lesions.
    • BOTE (Beginning Of The End): Spontaneous inflammation, signals resolution. Molluscum Contagiosum Lesions

⭐ Characteristic lesions: firm, 2-5 mm, dome-shaped, pearly papules with central umbilication. Often pruritic.

Diagnosis & DDx - Confirming Contagiosum

  • Clinical Diagnosis: Primarily based on characteristic pearly, dome-shaped, umbilicated papules (1-5 mm).
    • May be single or multiple.
    • Common sites: trunk, axillae, antecubital & popliteal fossae, anogenital region.
  • Dermoscopy: Central pore/umbilication, whitish clods (molluscum bodies), surrounding crown vessels.
  • Histopathology (rarely needed):

    ⭐ Diagnosis is usually clinical; histopathology shows pathognomonic Henderson-Paterson bodies (large eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions in keratinocytes). Histopathology of Molluscum Contagiosum

  • Differential Diagnosis (DDx):
    • Viral warts (Verrucae)
    • Herpes simplex
    • Varicella
    • Folliculitis
    • Milia
    • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - esp. solitary lesions in adults
    • Cutaneous cryptococcosis/histoplasmosis (immunocompromised)

Management & Prevention - Clearing the Coast

  • General Principles: Often self-limiting (resolve in 6-12 months, up to 4 years). Treatment for symptomatic relief, cosmesis, prevent autoinoculation/transmission.
  • Conservative: Watchful waiting, especially in children.
  • Physical Destruction:
    • Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen): Painful, may scar.
    • Curettage: Effective, may scar, local anesthesia.
    • Laser (pulsed dye): Effective, expensive, less scarring.
  • Chemical Agents:
    • Cantharidin (0.7%-0.9%): Vesicant, apply in-office, wash off in 2-6 hrs. Painless application, good for children. 📌 "Cantharidin Can Conquer Child's Concern"
    • Potassium hydroxide (5-10%): Home use, irritant.
    • Salicylic acid: Keratolytic.
    • Tretinoin (0.025%-0.1%): Irritant, for facial lesions.
  • Immunomodulators:
    • Imiquimod (5% cream): Off-label, expensive, variable efficacy.
    • Cidofovir: Topical/intralesional for immunosuppressed.
  • Prevention:
    • Avoid sharing towels, clothing, razors.
    • Cover lesions with clothing/watertight bandages.
    • Avoid scratching/picking.
    • No swimming if lesions not covered.

⭐ Often self-limiting (6-12 months); treatment aims to speed resolution, prevent spread, or for cosmetic reasons. Cantharidin (0.7%) is a common, painless office-based therapy for children.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Caused by Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV), a large DNA Poxvirus.
  • Presents as characteristic pearly, dome-shaped, umbilicated papules (typically 2-5 mm).
  • Histology reveals pathognomonic Henderson-Paterson bodies (intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions).
  • Transmitted by direct contact, fomites, or autoinoculation; highly prevalent in children.
  • In HIV/immunocompromised states, expect numerous, larger, or persistent lesions.
  • Often self-limiting in healthy individuals; treatments include cryotherapy, curettage, cantharidin.
  • Common sites: trunk, axillae, anogenital region; notably spares palms and soles.

Practice Questions: Molluscum Contagiosum

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Koebner's phenomenon is seen in all of the following except:

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Flashcards: Molluscum Contagiosum

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Diffuse molluscum contagiosum infection in adults suggests _____ infection and/or immuno-suppression

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Diffuse molluscum contagiosum infection in adults suggests _____ infection and/or immuno-suppression

HIV

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