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
X ray
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Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
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 good 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

All vital signs will remain normal in the usual setting of disease as the disease in immunocompetent patients is localized within the skin.

• Normal body temperature
• Normal pulse rate
• Normal respiratory rate
• Normal blood pressure

Skin

• Skin papules:
  • Firm
  • Dome shaped
  • Shiny
  • 2 to 5 mm diameter
  • May have central indentation or umbilication
• Polipoid: 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

• Conjunctivits:
  • Conjunctival erythema
  • Follicular keratoconjunctivitis with or without obvious dermal lid lesions
    • Multiple large lesions, cutaneous lesions that do not respond to standard therapy, or recurrent lesions should be a clue to evaluate patient for immunocompromicy.
• Eyelid molluscum contagiosum
• Intra-oral and gingival lesions

Genitourinary

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

Extremities

• Usually the hands and foots are the only part of body that are not involved