Molluscum contagiosum physical examination

Molluscum contagiosum Microchapters
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Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Molluscum contagiosum from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
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Treatment
Medical Therapy
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Primary Prevention
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Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mahshid Mir, M.D. [2]

Overview

Patients with molluscum contagiosum usually appear well and healthy. Physical examination of patients with molluscum contagiosum is usually remarkable for skin papules that are small, shiny, and firm.

Physical examination

Appearance of the Patient

• Patients are usually well-appearing.

Vital Signs

• Within normal limits.

Skin

• Skin papules:
  • Firm
  • Dome shaped
  • Shiny
  • 2 to 5 mm diameter
  • May have central indentation or umbilication
• Polypoid lesion: Occasionally, with a stalk-like base
• Visibly inflamed lesions occasionally may be seen
• Diffuse erythema: May be seen due to Gianotti-Crosti like eruptions

HEENT

• Conjunctivitis:
  • Conjunctival erythema
  • Follicular keratoconjunctivitis with or without obvious dermal lid lesions
    • Multiple large lesions that do not respond to standard therapy or recurrent lesions are suggestive of immunocompromise.
• Eyelid lesions
• Intra-oral and gingival lesions

Genitourinary

• Lesions due to sexual transmitted infection typical appear in:
  • Groin
  • Genitals
  • Proximal thighs
  • Lower abdomen
• Small round shiny papules

Extremities

• The hands and feet are the only part of body that are typically not involved in molluscum contagiosum infection.