Dermatology - Molluscum Contagiosum

Dermatology - Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the outer layer of the skin that often goes away on its own, unless the person has a weakened immune system. Molluscum infections are more prevalent in youth and sexually active adults, with a higher incidence in males compared to females.

Any website can be contaminated, particularly naturally enclosed locations such as the axillae, antecubital, popliteal fossae, and anogential folds. Lesions are distributed through autoinoculation. Mollusca can be commonly found in regions affected by atopic dermatitis. In adults affected by sexually transmitted mollusca, the areas commonly affected include the groins, genitalia, thighs, and lower abdomen. Mollusca can be found in the conjunctiva, resulting in a one-sided conjunctivitis.

The skin lesions can be described as round or oval, with a hemispherical shape. They can appear individually or in several scattered clusters. These papules, nodules, or tumors have a central depression or umbilication and can merge together to form larger mosaic plaques. More sizable lesions may have a core keratotic plug, resulting in a central depression or umbilication; this can be expelled by applying light pressure. The immune system's reaction to the viral antigen leads to the formation of an inflammatory ring around mollusca, which indicates the upcoming spontaneous retreat. Dark-skinned individuals may experience notable postinflammatory hyperpigmentation following therapy or natural regression.

The diagnosis is based only on clinical observations and assessments. The differential diagnosis comprises human papilloma virus (HPV), condylomata acuminata, syringoma, sebaceous hyperplasia, keratoacanthoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and epidermal inclusion cysts.

Treatment is unnecessary as mollusca resolve spontaneously. If one wishes to achieve a cosmetic effect, office-based therapies such as curettage, cryosurgery, and electrodessication can be considered. Imiquimod 5% cream may also exhibit efficacy.