Molluscum contagiosum is an innocuous, viral skin disease, predominantly affecting children. It is a result of infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a poxvirus.The disease presents with isolated, shiny, umbilicated papules. Their color demonstrates some variability, e.g. skin-colored, translucent, white, or even yellow.The diameter averages between 2 to 6 mm, but can also be smaller or larger than this. Some of the lesions may coalesce. The virus itself is located within the dimpled center of the lesion, forming a doughy, friable mass.There may be just a couple of lesions (1-20), or disseminated disease with several hundred papules. Locations that are commonly infected include trunk and extremities, as well as genitals and face (expecially eyelids).The duration of the disease varies between patients. Molluscum contagiosum is usually self-limiting, with the lesions commonly disappearing after several weeks. However, lesions persisting for months or years can sometimes be observed.Management: Because of the benign, self-limiting character of the disease, surgical treatment is often unnecessary, avoiding scar formation after the intervention.The papules can be treated with imiquimod or cantharidin. In addition, there have been reports of successful treatment with cimetidine (off-label use).Surgical interventions for removal of the papules include:
Source: Dr. Jörg Schmitz via wikipedia
