Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum is a common viral skin infection that causes small, harmless, raised spots to appear on the skin.

Molluscum spots may stay on the body for a few weeks, several months, or more than a year.

Cause

It is caused by the DNA Poxvirus

Spread

The molluscum virus is found in warm water, so children are often infected in swimming pools and baths. Sharing towels and face washers is another way to spread the virus. Molluscum can also be spread from skin-to-skin contact involving the molluscum spots.

Clinical features

If squeezed papules release a cheesy material

Lesions are multiple and grouped—usually on the trunk, face, or neck

Diagnosis

Clinical

Management

No treatment is generally necessary

Untreated lesions resolve spontaneously after 12–18 months

In the older child, and causing discomfort, the following methods can be done

Removal by expressing the contents with forceps

Curettage

Cryotherapy