dermatologic disorders
Molluscum Contagiosum
Key Points
Molluscum contagiosum, caused by a poxvirus, commonly spreads by direct contact (eg, sexual contact, wrestling), fomites, and bath water. Lesions tend to be asymptomatic clusters of 2- to 5-mm diameter papules that are pink, dome-shaped, smooth, waxy, or pearly and umbilicated. Diagnose based on clinical appearance. Treat for cosmetic reasons or prevention of spread. Treatments can include destructive methods (eg, curettage, cryosurgery, laser therapy, electrocautery) or topical irritants (eg,trichloroacetic acid,cantharidin,tretinoin,tazarotene, podophyllotoxin). 