Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum is a benign cutaneous and mucosal viral infection manifested by dome-shaped flat-topped papules with occasional nodules. Molluscum contagiosum can be seen at any age but predominantly affects children. Molluscum lesions are spread by direct skin to skin contact with fomites, and fomite facilitators can include shaving, tattoos, electrolysis, and bath towels. The incubation period is quite variable, while most commonly ranging from 2 to 7 weeks, in some case, the latency period can be as long as 6 months after exposure. So the process of identifying initial infection can be difficult. Molluscum may be spread through sexual contact as in more commonly seen in young adults and individuals with decreased immunity, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Molluscum contagiosum in neonates and infants is rare, presumably as a result of maternal antibodies.
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Clark, Y., Eichenfield, L.F. (2014). Molluscum Contagiosum. In: Zeichner, J. (eds) Acneiform Eruptions in Dermatology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8344-1_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8344-1_12
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