Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum
Other names	Water warts
Typical flesh-colored, dome-shaped and pearly lesions
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Small, raised, pink lesions with a dimple in the center[1]
Usual onset	Children 1 to 10 years of age[2]
Duration	Usually 6–12 months, may last up to four years[1]
Types	MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, MCV-4[3]
Causes	Molluscum contagiosum virus spread by direct contact or contaminated objects[4]
Risk factors	Weak immune system, atopic dermatitis, crowded living conditions[2]
Diagnostic method	Based on appearance[3]
Differential diagnosis	Warts, herpes simplex, chickenpox, folliculitis[5]
Prevention	Hand washing, not sharing personal items[6]
Treatment	None, freezing, opening up the lesion and scraping the inside, laser therapy[7]
Medication	Cimetidine, podophyllotoxin[7]
Frequency	122 million / 1.8% (2010)[8]

Molluscum contagiosum (MC), sometimes called water warts, is a viral infection of the skin that results in small raised pink lesions with a dimple in the center.^[1] They may become itchy or sore, and occur singularly or in groups.^[1] Any area of the skin may be affected, with abdomen, legs, arms, neck, genital area, and face being the most common.^[1] Onset of the lesions is around seven weeks after infection.^[3] They usually go away within a year without scarring.^[1]

The infection is caused by a poxvirus called the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).^[1] The virus is spread either by direct contact, including sexual activity, or via contaminated objects such as towels.^[4] The condition can also be spread to other areas of the body by the person themselves.^[4] Risk factors include a weak immune system, atopic dermatitis, and crowded living conditions.^[2] Following one infection, it is possible to get re-infected.^[9] Diagnosis is typically based on the appearance of the lesions.^[3]

Prevention includes hand washing and not sharing personal items.^[6] While treatment is not necessary, some may wish to have the lesions removed for cosmetic reasons or to prevent spread.^[7] Removal may occur with freezing, laser therapy, or opening up the lesion and scraping the inside.^[7] Scraping the lesion can, however, result in scarring.^[9] The oral medication cimetidine, or podophyllotoxin cream applied to the skin, may also be used for treatment.^[7]

Approximately 122 million people globally were affected by molluscum contagiosum as of 2010 (1.8% of the population).^[8] It is more common in children between the ages of one and ten years old.^[2] The condition has become more common in the United States since 1966.^[2] But having an infection is not a reason to keep a child out of school or daycare.^[10]