Overview
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the Molluscipoxvirus. In adults, it commonly presents as a sexually transmitted infection affecting the genital area 1.Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of dome-shaped, umbilicated papules 1.
No specific laboratory tests are routinely recommended for diagnosis 1.Management
Treatment is indicated for symptomatic lesions, cosmetic concerns, or to prevent sexual transmission 1.
First-line treatments:
* Cryotherapy 1.
* Potassium hydroxide (KOH) 1.
* Curettage 1.
Adjunctive treatments:
* Topical cantharidin 1.
* Topical imiquimod 1.
* Topical tretinoin 1.Special Populations
No specific information on special populations (pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, comorbidities) is provided in the abstracts.Key Recommendations
Treatment should be considered for symptomatic lesions, cosmetic concerns, or to prevent sexual transmission 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Clinical diagnosis is usually sufficient, and specific laboratory tests are not routinely required 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
A range of destructive therapies including cryotherapy, KOH, and curettage are considered first-line options 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Fernando I, K Edwards S, Grover D. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV national guideline for the management of Genital Molluscum in adults (2021). International journal of STD & AIDS 2022. link