Successful use of oral acyclovir in ophthalmic molluscum contagiosum

Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum is a common tropical contagious viral infection, involving the skin and the mucous membranes. Ophthalmic molluscum contagiosum is a relatively uncommon condition presenting as secondary follicular conjunctivitis or kerato-conjunctivitis and may present with or without obvious dermal skin lesions. Often, unsuspected and misdiagnosed by eye care providers or observed as a concomitant feature by a skin care provider, unilateral conjunctivitis due to molluscum contagiosum remains easily treatable. Clearance of the primary skin lesion leads to rapid and complete resolution of ophthalmic signs. Two cases of ophthalmic molluscum contagiosum treated successfully with oral antiviral drug acyclovir are presented herewith as anecdotal therapeutic evidence.

Molluscum contagiosum presenting as periorbital abscess in immunocompetent children

“…Periocular Molluscum lesions frequently affect the eyelid margins or the area near the palpebral aperture and may cause secondary unilateral follicular conjunctivitis or superficial punctate keratitis 8 .…”