Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression. This image displays lesions from a skin infection with a poxvirus, molluscum contagiosum. As displayed in this image, molluscum appear smooth and can be either skin-colored or, if inflamed, pink. This image displays molluscum lesions with a depression in the center. Some of the numerous molluscum lesions on this child’s trunk and arm are the skin-colored bumps with a slight depression that are typical of molluscum, while others are red and scabbed. Molluscum lesions may be numerous and pearl-like in appearance; some spots on the child's chin show the characteristic indentation in the center.
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Molluscum Contagiosum (Pediatric)  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Molluscum Contagiosum (Pediatric): Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression. Divider line
Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression.
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References


Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1266. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.2114, 2116, 2332. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Sladden MJ, Johnston GA. Common skin infections in children. BMJ. 2004 Jul 10;329(7457):95-9.

Wynnis T, Friedlander SF. Poxvirus Infections.Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, Paller AS, Leffell DJ, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2008:1899-1913.

van der Wouden JC, Menke J, Gajadin S, et al. Interventions for cutaneous molluscum contagiosum. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Apr 19;(2):CD004767.

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Last Modified: 17 Apr 2009
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