Molluscum Contagiosum COPY

Question 1

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 1

A common skin infection caused by a pox virus

Question 2

How is the causative virus of molluscum contagiosum usually spread?

Answer 2

Direct skin contact

Question 3

What can lead to direct skin contact and spread of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 3

• Contact sports
• Sharing baths, towels, and gym equipment
• Sexual contact

Question 4

How long is the incubation period of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 4

Between 2-8 weeks

Question 5

What is assumed about how infectious a person with molluscum contagiosum is?

Answer 5

They are infection as long as there are visible lesions

Question 6

What virus causes molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 6

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)

Question 7

What sort of virus is the molluscum contagiosum virus?

Answer 7

DNA pox virus

Question 8

What family does the molluscum contagiosum virus belong to?

Answer 8

Poxviridae family

Question 9

How many subclasses of molluscum contagiosum are there?

Answer 9

4

Question 10

What subclass of molluscum contagiosum virus is the most common cause of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 10

MCV 1

Question 11

Which subclass of molluscum contagiosum virus is relatively common in people with HIV or immunosuppression?

Answer 11

MCV 2

Question 12

What are the risk factors for molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 12

• Under 15 years
• Immunocompromisation
• Atopic eczema
• Swimming

Question 13

What percentage of cases of molluscum contagiosum occur in under 15’s?

Answer 13

90%

Question 14

How does molluscum contagiosum present?

Answer 14

Smooth umbilicated papules 2-5mm in diameter

Question 15

What colour are the papules in molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 15

Can be colour of the skin, white, translucent or slightly yellow

Question 16

Where do molluscum contagiosum lesions usually present in children?

Answer 16

On the trunk or extremities

Question 17

Where do molluscum contagiosum lesions usually present in adults?

Answer 17

The lower abdomen, inner thighs or genital region

Question 18

What does the location of adult molluscum contagiosum lesions usually suggest?

Answer 18

Sexual transmission

Question 19

What is the distribution of molluscum contagiosum lesions?

Answer 19

Can be single or in clusters of up to 30

Question 20

What are the accompanying symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 20

Usually asymptomatic but can be tender, pruritic and surrounding eczema

Question 21

What is the mean duration of each lesion in molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 21

8 months

Question 22

What may be helpful to assist diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 22

Dermatoscopy

Question 23

What are the differentials for molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 23

• Lichen planus
• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• Keratacanthoma
• Milia
• Herpes virus infection
• Warts

Question 24

What is considered the best treatment for molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 24

Wait for spontaneous resolution

Question 25

Why are active management techniques not helpful in molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 25

They are painful and of little benefit

Question 26

What should be given in molluscum contagiosum if there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection?

Answer 26

Topical antibiotic

Question 27

What can be used for surrounding eczema in molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 27

Emollients or mild steroid creams (e.g. hydrocortisone 1%)

Question 28

What advice should be given to patients with molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 28

- Reassurance - Avoid scratching - No need for exclusion from school or swimming - Don't share towels

Question 29

What reassurance should be given to patients with molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 29

Most cases clear up in 18 months

Question 30

Why should patients avoid scratching?

Answer 30

- Can increase chance of spread | - Increase risk of infection and scarring

Question 31

What treatment options can be offered if patient desires for molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 31

- Cryotherapy - Laser therapy - Cimetidine orally - Podophyllotoxin cream

Question 32

What are the potential complications of molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 32

- Discomfort and irritation - Inflammation - Secondary infection - Eyelid lesions may be associated with follicular or papillary conjunctivitis