Common Skin Infections

Molluscum contagiosum

It is caused by a poxvirus and is transmitted from person-to-person and via close body contact. School children are particularly susceptible. Infection occurs through abrasions of the skin.

Molluscum contagiosum – umbilicated, firm white papules. Note the apparent inflammation and 'impetiginisation' which often heralds spontaneous clearing of lesions

The characteristic lesions are small, smooth pearly-white or flesh coloured umbilicated papules which become dome shaped. They vary in size from 1–5 mm and occur commonly on the face, hands, arms, abdomen, buttocks and genitals. They are rare inside the mouth or on the soles of the feet. They may become confluent along lines of abrasions. They can be transmitted to other areas of the body by autoinoculation.

Clinical tip: Giant molluscum in an adult should alert you to a possible underlying HIV infection

Treatment may be sought for cosmetic reasons, particularly for facial lesions.  A proprietary preparation containing 5% potassium hydroxide is available in the UK and may lead to resolution of lesions after 4-6 days.

Mucocutaneous lesions caused by viruses