Introduction

Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious disease caused by a pox virus rather than the papilloma virus responsible for common warts. Molluscum are characterised by grouped, smooth dome-shaped flesh-coloured papules, often with a central dimple. Molluscum contagiosum is common in school age children and tends to be more widespread in children with eczema. The lesions enlarge slowly and may reach 5-10mm or even larger in 6-12 weeks. Most cases are self-limiting and will clear in 6-9 months.

In adults they may be sexually transmitted and widespread, and may be an indication of impaired immune function

	Small numbers of lesions may be curetted
	Often gentle pinching of the papules between the fingernails or with a pair of tweezers after a soak in the bath is able to induce involution.
	The lesions may be pricked with a sharpened orange stick dipped in phenol, or squeezed
	A pair of forceps can be used to extrude the cheesy contents
	All of these procedures are painful and will require local anaesthetic, topical or injected
	An antibiotic ointment such as Mupirocin may be prescribed for any lesions, which become infected.

 

Referral Advice

• This condition should not normally be referred to secondary care.

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