Molluscum Contagiosum
Talley Whang, MD
Key Facts
Etiology/Pathogenesis
Caused by molluscum contagiosum viruses (poxvirus), transmitted by skin-to-skin contact
Clinical Issues
Primarily affects young children; also affects immunosuppressed individuals
Dome-shaped papules with central umbilication; may number from a few to hundreds
Treatment: Watchful waiting (spontaneous resolution is the rule in healthy children) or chemical, destructive, and immunologic methods
Microscopic Pathology
Hyperplastic epidermis with crater filled with distinct molluscum (Henderson-Patterson) bodies
Henderson-Patterson bodies are pathognomonic
If ruptured, can elicit robust mixed inflammatory response
 Flesh-colored to slightly erythematous dome-shaped papules with central umbilication  are the hallmark of molluscum contagiosum. |
 Low-power image reveals an ostium filled with molluscum bodies  , corresponding to the clinical umbilication. |
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
Molluscum contagiosum (MC)
Definitions
Infectious papules caused by poxvirus
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Infectious Agents
Caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (poxvirus), transmitted by skin-to-skin contact
CLINICAL ISSUES
Epidemiology
Age
Primarily affects young children, especially those with compromised epidermal barrier (i.e., atopic dermatitis)
Immunosuppressed individuals, especially those with HIV, are at increased risk
Presentation
Skin-colored or pearly papules with central umbilication that range from 3-5 mm in diameter; may number from a few to hundreds
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
