The natural history of molluscum contagiosum in Fijian children

Abstract

A 10-month follow-up of 14 Fijian children suffering from molluscum contagiosum showed that the condition could last from about 6 months to about 3 years, but that any one lesion was present for only 2 months. There could be temporary relief from new lesions for at least 2 months; when complete remission occurred, it could be comparatively rapid. It is suggested that individual lesions should not be treated, in order to avoid scarring and because of their relatively rapid disappearance.

Are lifetime prevalence of impetigo, molluscum and herpes infection really increased in children having atopic dermatitis?

“…This similar association of MC between AD and non-AD individuals, of course, does not rule out the possibility that MC is exacerbated by concomitant AD, although we could not address this point in the present study protocol. MC lesions take several months to years to resolve spontaneously [11,23,24], but the presence of concomitant AD is the most significant factor associated with relapse and the risk of treatment failure of MC [11,25,26]. Children with AD and MC may visit clinics more frequently due to the easily spread or persistent tendency of the lesions, which may cause a referral bias in a hospital-based study.…”

The epidemiology of molluscum contagiosum in children

“…7,16,17 The distribution of anatomic location appears to be consistent with previously published reports. 12 The trunk was the most frequently reported location with lesions occurring less commonly on the extremities and rarely on the face. Approximately 50% of the patients presented with lesions in more than one anatomic region.…”

“…6,10,11 Although MC lesions can involve any anatomic site, the most commonly reported locations include the trunk, axillae, antecubital and popliteal fossae, and crural folds. 4,6,10,12 The prevalence of MC in sexually active adults and participants in skin contact sports has been well documented. 4,5,[13][14][15][16][17] The incidence of MC infection in the United States has been increasing since the 1960s, particularly as a sexually transmitted disease.…”

“…Previous studies that have assessed the prevalence and clinical presentation of MC in children have involved only small sample sizes, generally in small, defined populations. 8,12,36,37 In an effort to better define and update the epidemiology of MC infection in children in the United States, a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with the diagnosis of molluscum at 3 pediatric dermatology tertiary referral centers was conducted.…”

Scarring in molluscum contagiosum: comparison of physical expression and phenol ablation

“…In immunocompetent individuals each lesion may last 6-8 weeks. With continuous autoinoculation, however, new lesions appear over time, such that the mean duration is about 8 months,2 with reports of infection lasting up to five years 3. Although resolution is ultimately spontaneous, scarring may occur, particularly if the lesions are secondarily infected.…”