Molluscum Contagiosum

Diagnosis: Molluscum Contagiosum

Umbilicated papules on upper and lower right eye lid.

Clinical Presentation

Umbilicated papules on upper and lower right eye lid.

Clinical History

Submitted by Alaa Saad. Originally posted October 27, 2010.

Treatment

See case discussion.

Differential Diagnosis

• Verruca vulgaris • Basal cell carcinoma (small) • Milia • Cryptococcosis (immunocompromised) • Histoplasmosis (immunocompromised) • Folliculitis • Keratoacanthoma

Key Learnings

• Caused by Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) — a poxvirus • Pearly, dome-shaped papules with central umbilication are pathognomonic • Self-limited in immunocompetent patients (6-12 months), but may persist for years • Widespread or giant lesions in HIV → check CD4 count • Eczema molluscatum: molluscum in areas of atopic dermatitis • BOTE sign (beginning of the end): surrounding dermatitis/inflammation heralds spontaneous resolution • Histology: Henderson-Patterson bodies (eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions)

Tags: molluscum, contagiosum, alaa saad