Molluscum Contagiosum Disease

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Common, benign viral skin disorder consisting of small umbilicated papules which tend to occur on the face, trunk and extremities in children and on the groin and genitalia in adults. Incubation period is 2 weeks to 2 months. In immunocompromised individuals (e.g., HIV infection), the lesions can be extensive and atypical. They are occasionally giant (up to 3 cm), involve face, neck and trunk, and are recalcitrant to treatment.

System(s) affected: Skin/Exocrine
Genetics: No known genetic pattern
Incidence/Prevalence in USA: Common
Predominant age: Children and young adults
Predominant sex: Male = Female

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Discrete pearly to flesh-colored firm papules
Diameter 2 to 6 mm (rarely giant nodules up to 3 cm occur)
Usually grouped in one or two areas
Centrally umbilicated with erythematous base
Lesions can be pruritic or tender
Beneath umbilicated center is white curd-like core
Distribution: Anywhere. Predilection for face, trunk, and extremities in children and groin and genitalia in adults.

CAUSES

DNA virus of the poxvirus group. The virus cannot be grown in cell cultures. Incubation period is 2 weeks to 2 months after contact.

RISK FACTORS

Close personal contact with infected persons
In children, transmission can occur from swimming pools
In adults, sexual transmission is common
Immunocompromised individuals

DIAGNOSIS

LABORATORY

Virus particles cannot be cultured

Drugs that may alter lab results: N/A
Disorders that may alter lab results: N/A

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in histological or cytological specimens
Hypertrophied and hyperplastic epidermis

SPECIAL TESTS

N/A

IMAGING

N/A

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

White, curd-like core easily expressed from beneath umbilication
Biopsy

TREATMENT

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

Outpatient

GENERAL MEASURES

Spontaneous resolution common in 6-12 months. Individual lesions resolve in 2 months.

SURGICAL MEASURES

Removal by curettage alone, or curettage followed by trichloracetic acid or light electrodesiccation
Cryotherapy is also effective

ACTIVITY

No restrictions

DIET

No special diet

PATIENT EDUCATION

Instructions for Patients, W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia

FOLLOW UP

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE

In adults, avoid sexual contact with infected individuals

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Autoinoculation is common
Contagious to others
Immunocompromised individuals may have extensive infections

EXPECTED COURSE AND PROGNOSIS

Untreated, the condition is usually self-limited. Individual lesions spontaneously involute in 2 months. Total resolution usually takes 6 to 12 months.
Recurrences are uncommon in immunocompetent individuals
Lesions in HIV-infected patients are more recalcitrant

MISCELLANEOUS

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Occurs in 5-18% of patients with HIV infection

AGE-RELATED FACTORS

Pediatric: Commonly seen on face, trunk and extremities. May be spread through swimming pools.
Geriatric: N/A
Others: In adults, is often a sexually transmitted disease.

PREGNANCY

N/A

OTHER NOTES

N/A

ABBREVIATIONS

N/A

Clinical Investigations

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY

Holistic healing that treats the person, not just the disease. Experience gentle, lasting wellness with expert constitutional care.